Former HDP Deputy Talks About Silvan Incidents

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) former Diyarbakır deputy Edip Berk has talked about the situation in Turkey's southeastern Silvan district of Diyarbakır province on whose three neighborhoods have been imposed curfew for nine days.

Berk said they as HDP delegation including deputies arrived in the district at around 4:00 p.m., however couldn't make it to the neighborhoods which the curfew is lasting.

CLICK - TENSION ESCALATES IN TURKEY'S SOUTHEAST

Berk explaining that three HDP deputies stay in the neighborhoods, there are wounded people in those areas, and there is food need, said people are "worried and angry".

"There are wounded people"

We could hear gun shots as we speak to Edip Berk on the phone. Berk said as to situation in the districts as follows:

"Residents of the neighborhoods can contact only via home phones. Everyone is nervous.

"HDP deputies Nursel Aydoğan, Ayşe Acar Başaran, and Sibel Yiğitalp are in the neighborhoods. They say there are many wounded people in where they are now. Normally it is allowed to take wounded people, but even that isn't allowed.

"Public buildings, therefore health centers too are closed in the neighborhoods. Medical teams are worried about entering the neighborhoods, they are afraid of snipers".

"Two civilian casualties"

"There are two civilian casualties. Their bodies weren't handed for a long time. They were able to receive the bodies recently. They were moved out of the neighborhood, now autopsy is being performed".

"Food shortage"

"There is a major food shortage endured in the neighborhoods. We have held talks for food to be delivered to the neighborhoods, a truck of food is standing by".

"Heavy operation"

"There are tanks on the hills. Fire opened by helicopter into the houses. There is heavy shelling. A 5-year-old girl was injured by a shrapnel piece in where there is no curfew.

"We talked to police chief, they say they can't provide our security of life. Around 1,000 people who have relatives in the neighborhoods want to enter the neighborhoods and to know what is happening despite all".

"We are all together as deputies, NGOs, mayors. Police chief says he doesn't lead the operation, it is conducted by the ministry. It is a very heavy operation.

"Here was an open prison before, now has become an open torture place".

Vote rates of political parties in recent general elections

In June 7, 2015 general election, the votes are as follows:
HDP (% 88,9), Justice and Development Party (AKP) (5,70), People's Republican Party (CHP) (% 0,34), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) (% 0,80)

In November 1, 2015 general snap election, the votes are as follows:
HDP (% 87,9), AKP (% 10,5), CHP (% 0,5), MHP (%0,3) (BK/TK)

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