Hakkari Trustee: Withdrawal Demanded – Rudaw

DEM Party Leader Calls for Hakkari Trustee Removal, Kurdish Peace Process

A leading figure within Turkey’s DEM Party has demanded the immediate removal of a government-appointed trustee in Hakkari province, alongside calls for the release of prominent political figures and a renewed focus on a lasting resolution to the Kurdish problem.The statements, made during the opening of the party’s provincial headquarters in Hakkari, signal a strong push for political reform and greater autonomy.

The DEM Party co-chairman emphasized the need for “concrete steps that do not require legal process” to address long-standing grievances and foster a climate of peace.This comes as the party advocates for a shift away from symbolic gestures towards substantive change in Turkey’s approach to its Kurdish population.

Did you know? – The DEM party (Peoples’ Democratic Equality Party) is a pro-Kurdish political party in Turkey, founded in 2023 as a successor to the HDP. It advocates for greater Kurdish rights and democratic reforms.

hakkari Trustee Faces Scrutiny

The appointment of a trustee to administer Hakkari province has drawn sharp criticism from the DEM Party. The party views the trustee as an undemocratic imposition that undermines local governance and the will of the people. “The trustee appointed to hakkari should be taken back promptly,” a party spokesperson stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The move to install a trustee is part of a broader pattern of government intervention in municipalities with perceived links to Kurdish political movements. Critics argue that these actions stifle dissent and erode democratic principles.

Pro tip: – Government trustees in Turkey are appointed to replace elected mayors, frequently enough on grounds of alleged links to terrorism. this practice has been widely condemned by human rights organizations.

Demands for Political Release

Beyond the issue of the Hakkari trustee, the DEM Party is also calling for the release of Selahattin Demirtaş and Gültan Kışanak (also known as Yüksekdağ), two prominent Kurdish politicians currently imprisoned. These figures, once at the forefront of efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish conflict, remain incarcerated despite widespread calls for their release.

“Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ should be released,” the DEM Party leader asserted, framing their imprisonment as an obstacle to meaningful dialog and reconciliation. The party believes their freedom is essential for creating a conducive habitat for political engagement.

Reader question: – What role do you think international pressure could play in securing the release of political prisoners like Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ? Share your thoughts.

A Shift Towards Lasting Peace

The DEM Party’s vision extends beyond immediate political demands to encompass a essential shift in Turkey’s approach to the Kurdish problem. The party argues that superficial solutions, such as focusing on cultural expressions or attire, are insufficient to address the root causes of the conflict.

“Türkiye should solve the Kurdish problem not with dressing, but with permanent peace,” the co-chairman declared.The party emphasizes the importance of reciprocal action, stating that if the Kurdish community demonstrates a commitment to peace through concrete steps, the government and state must respond in kind. this call for a two-way street underscores the DEM Party’s belief that a lasting solution requires genuine engagement and mutual concessions.

Why: The DEM Party is pushing for greater political rights for Kurds in Turkey, including the removal of government trustees and the release of political prisoners.
Who: The DEM Party, led by its co-chairman, is the primary actor.key individuals mentioned are Selahattin Demirtaş and Gültan Kışanak. The Turkish government is the opposing force.
What: The DEM Party is demanding the removal of the trustee in Hakkari province, the release of imprisoned Kurdish politicians, and a extensive resolution to the Kurdish issue.
How did it end?: The situation remains unresolved as of this report. The DEM