Ertuğrul Kürkçü: War Waged on People in Silvan

"There is a war waged on people. People who are trying to be punished for rejecting [President Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan regime withstand and resist it", said Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputy from İzmir and Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK) Co-Spokesperson, Ertuğrul Kürkçü who was exposed to police attack as going to neighborhoods under blockade in Silvan to bianet.

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During police attack, both pepper gas and pressured water were used on protesters. HDP Co-Chair Figen Yüksekdağ was about to be hit by a gas capsule on her head, which she evaded by bending her head at the last moment.

Delegation composed of Democratic Society Congress (DTK) Co-Chair Hatip Dicle, HDP deputy from Diyarbakır İdris Baluken, HDK and Democratic Regions' Party (DBP) Co-Mayors and executives gathered in municipality building to leave for three neighborhoods where police assault continues.

"Neighborhoods are under blockade"

Kürkçü described the attack they were exposed to as follows:

"We all left together from municipality building for the neighborhoods. We were intercepted on the road by TOMA (riot control vehicle) and riot squad, and that clash began. Police not letting a negotiation commenced attack with threatening words. First, pressured water was used on us, then fired plastic bullets and pepper gas. We returned to the municipality building".

Kürkçü stated that police attack is persisting:

"The attack continues not only in blockaded neighborhoods but all around the town. They are trying to obstruct protests of youngsters by attacking with tear-gas. The whole district is nervous".

"People seek self-governance"

Kürkçü saying helicopters constantly fly over the district, reminded that it's 10th day of the curfew:

"As reflected on media, authorities such as governor and caimacam say they are determined to 'wipe the three neighborhoods off the map', and that neighborhoods are willing to keep their places on the map.

"The people seek self-governance. We don't see this decision legitimate only but the struggle to achieve it is legitimate as well in our opinion".

According Fırat News Agency, 18-year-old Sümeyye Sinbağ was wounded by her leg in the attack. Sinbağ, the sister of Yakup Sinbağ who was killed two days ago, has been taken to hospital.

The curfew declared in Mescit, Tekel, and Konak neighborhoods of Silvan district by Diyarbakır Governorate on November 3, 2015 is in 10th day. Police operations still continue. In the operations, seven people have lost their lives.

There is no electricity nor water, and no access by cell phone in the district.

About Silvan

Silvan is one of 17 districts of Turkey's southeastern Diyarbakır province. Its population is 86,000,663 with a surface area of 1,373 km². It consists of 11 neighborhoods, namely Yüksek, Konak, Cami, Feridun, Kale, Mescit, Tekel, Selahattin, Bağlar, Bahçelievler and Yenişehir. It is 78 km away from Diyarbakır center.

Co-Mayors are Yüksel Bodakçi and Melikşah Teke from HDP.

In June 7, 2015 general election, the votes are as follows:
HDP (% 88,9), Justice and Development Party (AKP) (5,70), People's Republican Party (CHP) (% 0,34), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) (% 0,80).
In November 1, 2015 general snap election, the votes are as follows:
HDP (% 87,9), AKP (% 10,5), CHP (% 0,5), MHP (%0,3). (AS/TK)

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