Demirtaş on Coronavirus: People Must be Ensured That Nothing is Hidden from Them

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People must be ensured that nothing is being hidden from them regarding the new coronavirus outbreak, Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) former co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş has said.

Demirtaş, who is currently behind bars at Edirne Type-F Prison, released a statement on the outbreak through his attorneys yesterday (March 17).

"Hello everyone. In these difficult times for all humanity, we are trying to follow what is happening, albeit with limited opportunities. The whole society acting in highest solidarity and cooperation is one of the most important points in fighting the outbreak," he stated on Twitter.

"Open, transparent and reliable cooperation between the people and the state is indispensable. Strong cooperation must be established between the state and non-governmental organizations, and the society must be ensured that nothing is hidden from it."

'Treatment and medicine must be free'

"All types of treatment should be made free of charge. Private hospitals must be ensured to provide services in the status of public hospitals. Basic food, cleaning supplies, medicine and medical supplies should be free of charge to all those in need.

"Everyone should be given sufficient free electricity, water, natural gas, internet and telephone calls. Public and private sector employees should be given paid leave and unemployment benefits must be paid to all the unemployed. All taxes, fees and workplace rents of shop owners should be postponed."

"The feeling and purpose of every citizen should be to protect the whole society, starting from their close circles. Thinking that 'I only protect myself, the rest does not concern me' is both an erroneous and futile approach.

"All precautions that must be taken should be complied with at the utmost level, as well as feelings of solidarity and fraternity should be strengthened with the whole world.

"It is not the time for fear and panic, but time to show the greatest solidarity for the fight against the virus. Every citizen of ours must be sure that we will overcome these difficult days. We send our warm greetings and love with our strongest feelings of solidarity." (EKN/VK)