The Democratic Socialists of America, the largest socialist organization in the United States, issued a statement acknowledging the repression of Kurds, dissidents, journalists in Turkey and showing solidarity with the HDP.

The statement condemned the arrest of Max Zirngast, an Austrian socialist writer who has been detained in Turkey for nearly two months. It explained that his work with recent HDP election campaigns and solidarity with the Kurdish people were the primary reasons for his arrest, and described the broader political situation in Turkey that has led to renewed attacks on all democratic forces there.

“Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s​ g​overnment has laid waste to Kurdish areas inside and outside the country, arrested opposition figures including People’s Democratic Party (HDP) presidential candidate Selahattin Demirtaş, shuttered media outlets, and cozied up to the fascist Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Erdogan’s aim has been to consolidate his power and squelch the cause of popular democracy in Turkey,” the statement said.

The statement concluded with a demand to release all political prisoners in Turkey, and encouraged socialists in the United States to join solidarity efforts to this end.