The Newroz celebration in Istanbul, organized by the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK) under the slogan “Democratic Society for Freedom”, continues with the participation of hundreds of thousands of people. 

Speaking here, Free Women's Movement (TJA) activist Gültan Kışanak said, “You are making history here today. Kurds are standing all around and demanding their freedom.” 

Gültan Kışanak stated, “We were tested with all kinds of evil, but we did not give up our identity and our struggle. Open the doors of the prisons, provide the conditions for Mr. Öcalan to carry out this process. Mr. Öcalan has called for peace and a democratic society. Young people will pave the way for democratic politics. We want an honorable peace. We want to be equal citizens. We want the oppression of our language, culture and identity to end.”

The Kurdish politician underlined that they advocate peace against war, adding: “Mr. Öcalan made a very important call for a Kurdish-Turkish alliance. Now it is time for Ankara to take a step. Ankara needs to hear the voice of the peoples, the voice of Rojava. Open the way for Mr. Öcalan and let us build a free and equal future.”

DEM Party MP Kezban Konukçu said, “Despite the decomposition plans, our people resisted and came to this day. We, as the HDK, will definitely spoil this game. All peoples want equal citizenship. Today Ekrem İmamoğlu was imprisoned on trumped-up charges. We are in favor of struggling together. As women and young people, we will struggle and we will surely win.”

HDK Co-Spokesperson Ali Kenanoğlu said, “HDK is the people. HDK is millions and you cannot imprison the HDK. An operation has just been carried out against the will of the people in Istanbul. We have opposed the coup every day. We consider what has been done against Istanbul and against the 'Urban Consensus' as a coup. This coup is also a provocation against Mr. Öcalan's call for peace.”