Governorship Bans Assemblies, Marches and Demonstrations for 12 Days in Kars

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After similar bans have been imposed Turkey's eastern and southeastern provinces of Muş, Iğdır and Hakkari, the Governorship of Kars has also announced that all assemblies, demonstrations, opening of stands, setting up tents and sit-in protests have been banned for 12 days.

In justifying its decision, the Governorship has referred to "possible incidents and provocative actions" that could arise due to local election results.

HDP has won the elections

In Turkey's eastern province of Kars, Ayhan Bilgen, the candidate of Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), has won the March 31 Local Elections.

Co-Mayor candidates of HDP for Kars Ayhan Bilgen and Şevin Alaca have received 29.58 percent of votes.

The closest rival of the HDP, Çetin Nazik from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has received 26.57 percent of the votes in Kars.

'Actions aiming to create a state of chaos'

Releasing a statement on its website on April 7, the Governorship of Kars has referred to "the intelligence suggesting that there might be provocative actions, unlawful demonstrations and marches, open and closed assemblies, unlawful slogans, banners and stands, street events and celebrations with the aim of casting a shadow upon election results, create a state of chaos, pit groups with opposing views against each other in Kars."

Accordingly, all assemblies, marches, demonstrations, meetings, statements for the press, opening of stands, sit-in protests, setting up tents, street events, celebrations and the like to be held in Kars have been banned from 7 a.m. on April 8, 2019 to 7 p.m. on April 20, 2019. (HA/SD)