In a significant escalation of political repression, Turkish authorities have arrested 30 individuals, including pro-Kurdish politicians, journalists, and activists, following operations targeting the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK) across 10 provinces. These arrests are part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures and alleged affiliates of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Background of the Crackdown
The HDK, established in 2011, serves as an umbrella organization for left-wing and pro-Kurdish groups. Authorities allege that the HDK is affiliated with the PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies. The recent operations led to the detention of 54 individuals, with 30 subsequently arrested on charges of “membership in a terrorist organization.” Notable figures among the arrested include:
- Semiha Şahin and Mehmet Saltoğlu: Executives of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party.
- Sema Barbaros: Istanbul Chair of the Labor Party (EMEP).
- Yıldız Tar: Editor-in-chief of the LGBTI+ news platform KaosGL.
- Ercüment Akdeniz and Elif Akgül: Journalists.
- Pınar Aydınlar: Artist.
Additionally, 13 individuals were placed under house arrest, and seven were released under judicial control measures.
Interrogations and Legal Controversies
During interrogations, authorities questioned detainees about wiretap recordings from 2012 and 2013, HDK-organized conferences, the Gezi Park protests, and May Day demonstrations. Journalists and their legal representatives argue that these recordings were illegally obtained over a decade ago by prosecutors later convicted for ties to the Gülen movement. They emphasize that previous investigations based on these wiretaps had been dismissed and that the Court of Cassation had ruled the HDK to be a legal entity, contradicting the prosecution’s claims.
Wider Implications and Political Reactions
This crackdown is part of a larger operation in which Turkish police detained 282 suspects accused of ties to the PKK over a five-day period. The detainees include journalists, politicians, academics, and members of various leftist parties. Authorities claim these individuals were involved in conducting PKK propaganda, providing financial support, recruiting members, and participating in violent protests.
The arrests have drawn significant criticism from opposition parties and human rights organizations. HDK Co-Spokesperson and DEM Party lawmaker Meral Danış Beştaş condemned the detentions, stating, “We cannot say our friends were arrested—they were taken hostage.” She criticized the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), rejecting claims that Turkey upholds democracy and the rule of law, and labeled the mass arrests as a “coup practice.”
The Journalists’ Union of Turkey also condemned the detention methods, particularly the house raids, stating, “We do not accept that they are detained through house raids instead of being summoned to the police station.”
Context of Renewed Peace Efforts
These developments occur amidst renewed discussions about a potential peace process between the Turkish government and the PKK. Jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan is reportedly working on a new roadmap to end the decades-long conflict. However, the government’s simultaneous crackdown on pro-Kurdish and leftist groups raises doubts about its commitment to genuine dialogue and reconciliation.
