Following the protest demonstration on 28 July against the lynch attempts in Dörtyol/ Hatay and in Ýnegöl/Bursa, a group of young people in Yüksekova/Hakkari gave itself the name “Gever Self-Defense Units” have declared autonomy in Esentepe District.

Stating that they won’t let any police or soldier in the district, the group mounts guard at the entry of the district at nights.

It has been recorded that police is trying to set foot in the district and to get a grip on the situation while locating panzers at many points in the district.

Additionally, the group members are distributing leaflets with “Gever Self-Defense Units” signature and renamed the district as “Martyr Beritan District”.

After closing Yüksekova-Van way to traffic, young demonstrators lighted a fire in Esentepe District, which they renamed as “Martyr Beritan District”. Chanting slogans and distributing leaflets, the group stated that they renamed other 9 more districts and added; “We will be declaring autonmy in this district soon.”

Translator: Berna Ozgencil