Erdoğan says pro-Kurdish HDP’s lawmakers, not supporters, are terrorists

News About Turkey - NAT
2 Min Read

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday denied calling pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) supporters terrorists and said the label is true for the party’s lawmakers, independent news site T24 reported.

“I have never called the HDP electorate terrorists. However, as the leaders of the group, you are terrorists. You are the ones which send the money sent your municipalities to Kandil [mountains],’’ Erdoğan said, responding to HDP lawmakers’ claims of the Turkish president targeting the pro-Kurdish party’s electorate while referring to party’s alleged financial support of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

The government has linked the HDP to the PKK, an armed group at war in Turkey for over three decades, and imprisoned many of its key figures, including co chair Selahattin Demirtaş over terror links.

Erdoğan’s statements in the eastern province of Malatya arrive as Turkey prepares to head to the polls for the local elections on March 31 when HDP candidates are expected to challenge candidates from Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

“This alliance is an alliance to impose terrorist organisations upon us. March 31 is not just an election in which parties will compete, but it is an election of survival,’’ Turkey’s strongman said.

Turkish main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the nationalist Good (İYİ) Party have formed an alliance ahead of the March 31 polls, however, Ankara has said the HDP is an informal partner to the alliance, and by association, the PKK. 

Source: Ahval News

Share This Article
Founded by a small group of Turkish/Kurdish scholars who have been subjected to persecution at the hands of the Erdogan dictatorship, News About Turkey (NAT) has emerged as a platform that is both exceptional and invaluable. Our objective is to provide you with a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the events and developments in Turkey (Türkiye), a country with profound historical and geopolitical importance, a vibrant culture, and a strategic location. Our founders, who have been purged by the Erdogan regime after the so-called coup attempt, are aware of the significance of journalism that is both free and independent. Because of this understanding, we are committed to providing reporting and analysis that is both objective and comprehensive. To give you the most thorough coverage of Turkey, we go further than just scratching the surface. Keep in touch with us so that you can have a better understanding of Turkey's developing story as well as vital and comprehensive news items. Whether you are a resident of Turkey, a member of the Turkish/Kurdish diaspora, or simply someone who has a strong interest in this vital country, we are the most reliable source for news that not only informs but also inspires and engages you.
Leave a comment