At least 159 people were taken into custody as a result of operations carried out by the ruling AKP (Justice and Development Party) police in 10 cities. The number of detainees reached 1,500 in the last three weeks.

The operations in the last 24 hours were carried out in Hakkari, Diyarbakir, Sirnak, Bingol, Mardin, Siirt, Adana, Istanbul, Igdir and Kars.

Turkish police terrorizes on Kurdish people since the veto decision of the Turkish Supreme Electoral Council on April 18 and the revoking of the decision on April 21. Students, journalists, MPs, mayors, pacifists at tents, women, party members, the independent are all subjected to AKP-backed police violence.

While at least two civilians were killed in police attacks, the number of detainees in the last three weeks is estimated to be close to 1500. The figure of the last 24 hours alone is at least 159 detentions.

SIRNAK

While 10 people were detained as a result of operations carried out by police early on Friday morning, Isa Asan and his daughter Mýhet Asan were taken into custody following a house raid.

DIYARBAKIR

Twenty one people were detained following house raids and taken to Diyarbakir Police Department. Families are not given any information by the Department about the detentions on grounds of “confidentiality”.

SIIRT

Twelve people were detained following house raids by gendarme units at early morning hours and taken to Siirt Gendarmerie Command.

MARDIN

Three people were detained for an unknown reason with house raids carried out early in the morning.

HAKKARI

Twenty houses were raided following the death of Mustazaf-Der member Ubeydullah Durna during the attack of Mustazaf-Der members on the young demonstrators protesting against the military operation of the Turkish army in Dersim where 7 HPG guerillas lost their lives. While 5 people were detained and taken to Yüksekova Police Department, houses and the people in these houses were attacked during the raids.

Separately, 17 DYG (Democratic Patriotic Youth) members and 4 people were detained in Semdinli for an unknown reason and taken to Semdinli Police Department.

ADANA

Twelve students at Cukurova University were detained at early morning hours for an unknown reason. Also detained DIHA News Agency reporter Ahmet Akyol.

BINGOL

While police and soldiers prevented a mass visiting the grave of HPG guerrilla Serefettin Can (Zerdest Celeng), 66 people including 20 women were taken into custody following the identification control.

Likewise, 3 people in Istanbul, 1 in Igdýr and 1 in Kars were taken into custody by police.

Translation: Berna Ozgencil