Many detained for protesting Turkey’s cross border operations in Iraqi Kurdistan

Photo: MA

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Dozens of activists were detained yesterday (May 22) for protesting Turkey's offensive against the Zap, Avashin, and Metina regions of Iraqi Kurdistan.

Turkey on April 17 launched a cross-border operation against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) within the territory of Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government with the support of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

The operation is the ninth in a series of military offensives dubbed as the "Claw Operations" in the KRG territory since May 2019.

A protest was organized against the operation by the People's Democratic Congress(HDK), People's Democratic Party(HDP), Democratic Regions Party(DBP), and Free Women's Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA) in the İstiklal Street of Beyoğlu district of İstanbul.

DBP Co-chair Keskin Bayındır, HDP Deputies Sezai Temelli, Nejdet İpekyüz, DBP Co-Spokesperson Cengiz Çiçek, Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) Co-chair Şahin Tümüklü, peace mothers, many HDP members and peace activists participated to the protest which started at Tunnel Square.

Protesters chanted slogans "No to War, Peace Right Now," and started marching towards Taksim Square at İstiklal Avenue.

However, police intervened and many were detained by being tortured, including HDP executives, as reported by Mesopotamia News Agency.

Speaking under police blockade, HDP MP Sezai Temelli said "War brings poverty and causes deaths."

Temelli called on people to take action against Turkey's operations in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The HDP İstanbul office was also blockaded by the police even after the protest ended.

Activists who were taken into custody were later taken to the İstanbul Security Directorate on Vatan Avenue in Fatih for their statements to be taken.

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(RT/TB/VK)