Our path is democratic politics and peace


In recent days, detentions and arrests targeting HDP province and district administrators, members of parliament and party members have increased. I should first say that these detentions and arrests are unlawful. Our friends must be released immediately.

By carrying out operations targeting the HDP, the government is trying to get out of the tangle it is in. We will not allow them to cast the responsibility on us, nor will we accept this blame.

We have absolutely no hesitation in condemning and confronting these attacks. 

The government claims it has captured the perpetrators by pointing at us, by carrying out detentions and arrests against our members:  To this, we say, we will all resign the moment the government proves we are responsible. 

The AKP is politically responsible for the bombs that exploded. They are accountable, and they should answer to the public. They should be held accountable in Parliament, and everywhere else. They are the ones who should have prevented this. They are the ones who govern the country in a way that has led to this outcome.

We strongly insist on democratic politics. Problems can be solved with democratic politics. Politicians must come up with solutions by getting Parliament to work together. Problems cannot be solved by disabling Parliament.

Our path is democratic politics and peace, and we are determined to follow it. We will not compromise on our stance.


Selahattin Demirtaş
Peoples’ Democratic Party Co-Chair
13 December 2016 

Edirne Prison