Protests against increasing electricity prices: 41 people released from detention

* Photo: Özgür Gündem / Twitter

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After thousands of people took to the streets in Mardin's Kızıltepe in Turkey's southeast to protest the increases in electricity prices, the police took 41 people into custody in house raids afterwards. The detained have been released after giving their statements.

On February 6, 2022, people gathered in the Özgürlük (Freedom) Square in Kızıltepe district and protested the price increases. A day later, on February 7, police officers raided houses and detained 41 people. Among the detained were also Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)'s Mehmet Fatih Öztürk and HDP and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) district executives.

The protesters were reportedly detained on charge of "violating the Law no. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations", "praising the crime and criminal" and "damage to property". After giving their statements at the police station, the 41 people have been released from detention.

What happened?

Thousands of people protested the price increases in Turkey, especially the increasing electricity prices, in Mardin's Kızıltepe district.

Taking to the streets in Turkey's southeastern province of Mardin on Sunday (February 6), the group went to Özgürlük (Freedom) Square with banners and electricity bills in their hands. As reported by Mezopotamya Agency (MA), citizens burned these bills in protest.

They also chanted slogans demanding the resignation of the President and the government and lashed out at the local electricity distribution company DEDAŞ: "Tayyip, resign", "State, resign", "Down with the DEDAŞ". Citizens requested that the price increases be revoked.

Afterwards, protesters wanted to march to the Dicle Electricity (DEDAŞ) building. Prevented by the riot police forces, they marched towards Hastane Avenue. Closing Musa Anter Avenue, Kilise Avenue and Hastane Avenue to traffic, people then walked towards İpek Yolu.

Police officers intervened against the protesters with pepper spray and pressurized water afterwards. Groups dispersed following the police intervention and continued protesting on the side streets.

Several people were detained during the protest. (FD/SD)