HDP’s Ağaoğlu Arrested Over Her Newroz Speech

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Detained on charge of “propagandizing for a terrorist organization” in the wake of her speech at Newroz celebration in Tekirdağ, Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Central Executive Board Member, feminist and peace activist Gülsüm Ağaoğlu was arrested last night.

Five people who were detained along with Ağaoğlu were released on probation.

Newroz celebration was organized in Tekirdağ, like in many other cities on March 21 with the motto “Newroz is resistance, it is spring of peoples against fascism”.

Ağaoğlu: Turkey has attempted to invade Afrin with a rapist, misogynist gang

According to Mezopotamya Agency, delivering a speech at the celebration, HDP’s Ağaoğlu briefly said:

“I greet you by bowing respectfully before Kaveh the Blacksmith, who resisted ruthless Zahaks. As you know, ideology of Republic of Turkey is built on monism. Its history is full of massacres but when we look at the history, we remember those who resisted, not the massacres.

“Turkey has attempted to invade Afrin by taking a rapist, misogynist, barbaric gang to its side. We will continue to see the Afrin resistance like we see those who resisted in the past.

“Afrin has been invaded and looted. [President Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan who gave the good news that ‘Kobanê’ is about to fall now does the same for Afrin. There is a thing about the President, he enjoys death. He voices that he hopes death toll will exceed 3 thousand. He is reducing people to numbers and he enjoys it.

“We will be against this mindset and struggle until we take it down”.

Stopped by police at the exit of celebration area, Ağaoğlu was detained and taken to Çorlu Security Directorate.

Ağaoğlu was arrested on charge of “propagandizing for an illegal organization” after her deposition at the prosecutor’s office and criminal judgeship of peace. (AS/TK)