Corine Mauch, the Mayor of Switzerland’s Zurich city, wrote a letter to imprisoned Gültan Kışanak, the Co-mayor of Amed Metropolitan Municipality which had become the sister municipality of Zurich in October, 2016.

‘WE ARE WORKING FOR YOUR FREEDOM’

Mauch expressed her sorrow at the arrest of Amed Co-mayors Gültan Kışanak and Fırat Anlı and other HDP members, and said she and her colleagues are working for the freedom of HDP members. Mauch recalled the visit Kışanak and Anlı had made to Zurich Municipality in October, 2016, and said the bond that was created with the sister municipality project between Amed and Zurich would continue.

‘I ADMIRE YOUR COURAGE’

In her letter, Mauch pointed out that she was aware of Kışanak and Anlı’s struggle for freedom and democracy despite the oppression in their country, and expressed her support to their struggle. She said “I was terrified to hear about your arrest soon after your visit to Zurich. I know that democracy and the freedom of expression are under risk in your country. I admire your courage and your struggle for democracy and freedom despite pressures.”

‘THE BOND BETWEEN AMED AND ZURICH WILL BE PROTECTED’

Mauch reassured that the bond between Zurich and Amed would be protected and that they would fight for the freedom of the arrested Co-mayors. Mauch said “We demanded that the Swiss delegation in the council of Europea voice your situation. Rest assured that our thoughts are with you. I wish you strength so that you do not lose your courage and faith. I hope you will be free and back at your position as soon as possible.”

After long efforts, the sisterhood project between the Amed and Zurich municipalities was announced during the visit of Amed Co-mayors Kışanak and Anlı to Zurich in October, 2016.