Launching an operation to enter the Orman Neighbourhood in Yüksekova district of Hakkari this morning, special operations units attacked the martyrs’ cemetery in the town. The crackdown left the cemetery area destroyed and People’s House in the neighbourhood unusable.

HDP Hakkari deputy Abdullah Zeydan, who is currently in the district, said the attack is unacceptable and was conducted in search of revenge against the people.

Special operation units attacked three neighbourhoods in Yüksekova this morning with armoured vehicles in order to close the trenches dug by the local people to ensure their security on the basis of self-defence. Police attacked the cemetery of martyrs in Orman neighbourhood, leaving it greatly demolished and the People’s House in the neighbourhood severely damaged.

HDP Hakkari deputy Abdullah Zeydan told ANF that special operation units entered the cemetery with armoured vehicles and work machines at around 05:00 this morning and added that the doors and the walls of the cemetery were destroyed, while the attack also targeted People’s House which is used for condolence visits after the funerals in the district. The windows and the doors of the People’s House were broken by the police who even broke the cups and glasses in the kitchen.

Stressing that the attack is by no means acceptable, Zeydan continued: “The attacks of the temporary AKP government against the people are increasing. The AKP government, which couldn't accept the results of 7 June elections and the revealed will of the people, is now trying to take revenge from the peoples of Turkey who did not carry it to the power. What we are undergoing here in the region is a part of these revenge attacks”.

Zeydan recalled that the bombardment carried out by Turkish military forces on Şapatan (Altunsu) village of Şemdinli district of Hakkari, and added: “We went to the village with a delegation several days ago. The bombardment on the village is similar to the ones conducted by Israel against Palestine. The authorities told 'Fire was opened from the village’. Even if this is the case, why are you bombarding a village to that extend? Those who criticize Bashar Esad by saying ‘A leader cannot tyrannize its people’ are bombarding their own people now”.

HDP deputy also recalled that the bodies of 23 YPG/YPJ fighters are still being held at Mürşitpınar border gate and denied entry into the country, and asked why the Turkish government, which doesn't want to be likened to ISIS, doesn't allow the bodies of these young people, who died fighting ISIS gangs for human dignity, to be handed over to their families.

Zeydan stressed that the recent violence perpetrated by Turkish forces in Kurdish cities goes much more beyond the state violence committed during the 90’s. Recalling the insulting torture on the body of YJA STAR guerrilla Ekin Wan, Zeydan said this was a message given to all the Kurdish people.

Calling attention to the fact that it is only the children of poor families who are dying in the war, Zeydan said “However, the children of government officials are visiting schools in America and living in luxury in villas in Istanbul”.

HDP Hakkari deputy called out to the families of soldiers and policemen, saying “This is not a defense of the country. Do not sacrifice your children to the defense of the Palace” (referring to the illegally built Palace of the Turkish president, Erdoğan).

Zeydan lastly said they as the people of Hakkari trust all the peoples of Turkey who side with peace and see the reason of this war clearly. He said people will bring this violence to account in ballot boxes and the defenders of peace and democracy will eventually gain victory.

Special Security Zones extended

In the meantime Hakkari Governor's Office has declared dozens of areas in Yüksekova as “Special Security Zones” from August 22 to September 5. The civilians are denied entry into these areas.