HDP Co-Chair says, 'We won't give up on our democratic rights,' warns against 'provocations'

Photo: Mezopotamya Agency

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Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Chair Prof. Mithat Sancar and several senior figures of the party visited Van Bar Association on the second day of the "March for Democracy against the Coup," which the party started after its two lawmakers were stripped of MP status on June 4.

One group of the HDP led by Sancar began marching from the southeastern Hakkari province yesterday (June 15), arriving Van in the evening. The other group, led by Co-Chair Pervin Buldan started the march from Edirne province. The police intervened in both groups several times, detaining numerous members of the party.

After the HDP announced the march, governors of 10 cities on the route of the march banned demonstrations.

CLICK - HDP starts 'March for Democracy' from both ends of the country to the capital

Speaking at the bar association, Sancar said that they wouldn't give up using their democratic and legitimate rights despite obstacles, the Mezopotamya Agecy reported.

"In some places, preventions can reach a somewhat annoying, unpleasant extent. But I would like to remind again; the HDP is determined to use the legitimate ground within its rightful framework. It is determined not to leave the democratic legitimate ground while doing that," he said and warned against "provocations."

"This march started from two points: Hakkari and Edirne. In all routes, the message we give is clear: There is a problem of democracy in this country, there is a problem of justice in this country, there is a problem of peace in this country. Our march is a call for solving these problems together," he remarked.

Lawyers on a death fast

In his statement, Sancar also mentioned Ebru Timtik and Aytaç Ünsal, two lawyers from the Contemporary Lawyers' Association (ÇHD) who have been on a death fast for more than six months and four months, respectively.

"They started a death fast with the demand of a fair trial," he said, noting that their health conditions are getting more serious.

Recalling the deaths of two members of the Grup Yorum music band during death fasts, Sancar said, "The demand is simple: They want a fair trial. A fair trial is not only their demand, it is everyone's demand." (EMK/VK)