Attack on HDP’s Election Booth in Kocaeli

Click to read the article in Turkish

An attack was carried out against the election works of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) in the neighborhood of Değirmendere in Gölcük, Kocaeli yesterday (June 14). Two people, including the Kocaeli Provincial Co-Chair of the HDP Şahabettin Işık, were injured in the attack.

A group of 10-15 people attacked the HDP members who were distributing leaflets and talking to people as part of party's election campaign for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections on June 24. During the attack, the group was chanting the slogan, "It is Değirmendere, it will be a grave to you."

The people witnessing the attack supported the HDP members and condemned the attackers.

To the question, "Why aren't you intervening in the attack?", the police answered, "We do not have the authority to intervene."

Kocaeli Provincial Co-Chair of the HDP Şahabettin Işık and an executive from the party Emrah Durmuş were injured in the attack.

The battered HDP members were taken to the Gölcük Necati Çelik Public Hospital for treatment. According to a statement of the HDP, Şahabettin Işık, whose hipbone has been broken, will undergo a surgical operation.

After the attack, some HDP executives went to the Değirmendere Police Department to follow the legal procedure.

HDP Kocaeli Provincial Election Commission also made a statement and declared that the HDP will not be intimidated by such repressions and will continue its election works with determination. (AS/SD)