'Hate attacks on HDP caused by government's discourse'

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The Human Rights Association (İHD) and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Chair Pervin Buldan have denounced yesterday's (December 29) attack on the party's Bahçelievler district office in İstanbul.

According to statements of party members, a person who initially introduced himself as a sympathizer of the party attempted to attack the people in the office with two weapons but ran away after the party members managed to take the weapons away from him. Two people were slightly injured during the incident.

Police detained the man in a nearby bakery shortly after the attack.

The HDP has become a target of hate attacks because of the government's discriminatory discourse towards the party, the İHD said in its statement.

The fact that the attack took place one day before the hearing of the case concerning a deadly attack on the party's İzmir office in June indicates that the attack was "planned," according to the İHD.

The police came to the HDP office for a scene investigation three hours later, the association noted.

"While it is important that the assailant is caught, the assailant should be arrested, considering that this was not an individual, but a planned attack, his connections should be investigated and all of those who are responsible should get the punishment they deserve.

"It should be known that the opposite attitude will create the opportunity for the repetition of the attacks."

Buldan's visit

HDP Co-Chair Pervin Buldan today visited the party's Bahçelievler office.

Speaking to reporters there, she also pointed out the date of the incident, which was one day after the anniversary of the Roboski massacre and one day before the hearing of the case of a previous attack.

"We know the powers behind the attack, who gave the orders and who wanted them to pull the triggers from history," she said. "We know that those who rule the country gave a message to the HDP and the Kurds."

"It's good news for us that no one lost their life in the attack on our Bahçelievler District Organization, but those who carried out this attack should stand trial immediately." (AÖ/AS/VK)