DIYARBAKIR, Turkey — Turkish police clashed with protesters in Diyarbakir on Wednesday, using tear gas and water cannon to prevent them demonstrating against the detention of the Kurdish-majority city”s co-mayors.
Gultan Kisanak and Firat Anli were taken into custody on Tuesday night in a surprise move against the leaders of a city hit by renewed fighting between Turkish forces and members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers” Party (PKK).
The two were detained as part of a “terrorism” probe, security officials said. The Diyarbakir prosecutor said in a statement that Kisanak and Anli were accused of having links to the PKK and “inciting violence”.
Hundreds of protesters tried to march to the town hall in Diyarbakir, the largest city in Kurdish-majority southeastern Turkey, some throwing rocks at police. At least 25 protesters were now in custody, security sources told AFP.
‘No to intimidation’
Officers responded using batons, tear gas and water cannon to repel the protesters, the correspondent said. “The pressure will not intimidate us,” demonstrators chanted.
The Diyarbakir governor”s office warned that any demonstrations on Wednesday were “unlawful” and would not be allowed, saying that since Aug. 15, public gatherings and meetings were banned in the city. Other rallies were planned elsewhere in Turkey including Istanbul in the city”s popular Istiklal Avenue.
A group of around 50 people tried to hold a sit-in on the avenue as they carried a large banner saying: “Municipalities belong to the people — people cannot be taken over.” But the police prohibited it and threatened to intervene, the photographer said, adding the group chanted: “We are shoulder to shoulder against facism” and “If you are quiet, you will be next”.
The prosecutor said Kisanak was accused of being a member of the PKK, while both individuals had made speeches in support of the rebel group. — AFP
