We have lived through attacks in several provinces 10 days before the elections. The environment in which the booths of each party have been operated locally side-by-side has begun to be changed 10 days before the election date.
According to the information we have received so far, what we have seen in Suruç-Urfa, which resulted in the deaths of five people, three of them merchants, and eight injured, is extremely grave. Above all, we ask for God’s mercy upon the deceased, send our condolences to their families and relatives, and we wish that the injured get well soon.
We invite the people of Suruç, the democratic public and the whole of Turkey to use moderation and self-restraint. We remind the media and the government to use a responsible discourse. The media must refrain from aggravating the situation by spreading unsubstantiated allegations and distorted news about the developments immediately.
We are appealing to the Prime Minister, and Ministers of the Interior and Justice. All necessary precautions have to be taken to ensure the safety of the election campaigns. Your duty is to ensure a safe campaign environment. We urgently call upon the prosecutors to prevent tampering with evidence at the crime scene and at the hospital in Suruç.
Everyone should remain calm and continue their election campaigns in a democratic manner. The elections should be free of fight and bloodshed.
Peoples’ Democratic Party
Central Executive Committee
14 June 2018