Gendarmerie once again attacks Özak Tekstil workers, arrests 19

The gendarmerie attacked Özak Tekstil workers again. The workers have been resisting against pressure, mobbing and dismissals for 18 days. 18 workers and a union representative were taken into custody.

The action by workers at Özak Tekstil, located in Urfa (Riha) 1st Industrial Zone, continues for the 18th day. The Turkish gendarmerie on Wednesday blocked the way of the workers who gathered in the early hours of the morning.

Labor Party (EMEP) Istanbul MP Iskender Bayhan and Antep (Dîlok) MP Sevda Karaca supported the workers who continued to wait in front of the barricades set up at the entrance of the factory.

The gendarmerie, citing the governor's instructions as justification, first sprayed pressurized water with a TOMA and then attacked the workers, who wanted to stage a sit-in, with batons, shields and gas flares. As a result of the attack, 18 workers and one BİRTEK-SEN union representative were detained.

Many people, including the members of parliament and press workers, were beaten.

Workers chanted the slogan "We will win by resisting", and continue to wait in front of the entrance gate factory.