Kurds Protest Police Violence

Thousands marched in protests organized by the Democratic Society Party (DTP) in Batman and Diyarbakır, in southeastern Turkey.

Co-chair of DTP, Ahmet Turk addressed the crowd in Diyarbakır, condemning police violence on February 15th, during meetings to commemorate the arrest of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. "PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan and governors of those cities should apologize to the people and to us," Turk said.

Dozens of protestors were taken under custody and DTP MP Aysel Tugluk had been harassed by the police.

"We're here to condemn what happened here two days ago" Turk added. "Our brothers and sisters were hurt. We documented what went on and sent them to the PM, the president; to all who are concerned."

Diyarbakır MPs Tugluk and Selahattin Demirtas, as well as metropolitan mayor Osman Baydemir attended the meeting. The crowd marched from DTP offices to Kosuyolu Park. Police had prevented a similar march two days ago, which was followed by clashes.

After the protest a group attacked the offices of ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). DTP members and the police tried to restrict the attack.

On another account, thousands marched, carrying pictures revealing police violence during the protests held two days ago.

DTP co-chair Emine Ayna, MPs Pervin Buldan, İbrahim Bilici, Ayla Akat Ata, Bengi Yıldız, mayor Hüseyin Kalkan, candidate for mayor Nejdet Atalay attended the march. Police just observed the event, restraining from using violence this time.

Both Turk and Ayna, criticized the government and addressed the crowd regarding the upcoming local elections on March 29th.

"PM Erdogan will visit Diyarbakır on February 21st," said Turk. "We're not against that but what will he say to the people who are on the streets for years for their identity, for democracy and peace? We hope he would come here with an approach, which recognizes the plurality of this country. I ask you to keep AKP below 10 percent in the elections in Diyarbakır."

Ayna criticized the meeting held by the Minister of Interior on "security during elections", saying, "We know this is a chicane. We'll claim our votes and we won't leave the polling stations until the results are in. We'll not let any deceit."

"Ocalan demands a democratic republic and gender equality. What's wrong with that? We always support the right words and regard Ocalan of importance.(TK/AGÜ)

* Diyarbakır Olay, Guneydogu Express, Diyarbakır'ın Sesi and Batman Cagdas newspapers contributed to this article.