Left Party Deputy and Foreign Policy Spokesperson Håkan Svenneling said in a press release that his party does not accept the Turkish government’s attempt to punish members of the Peoples’ Democratic (HDP) and that it will further strengthen the solidarity with the party.

"Erdogan's crackdown on the country’s third-biggest party is an attack on the fundamental principles of democracy," Svenneling said.

'IF HDP IS SUPPRESSED, PEACE AND DEMOCRACY WILL ALSO BE SUPPRESSED’

“Because the HDP is fighting for democracy and the rights of the Kurds, the Left Party opposes the Turkish government’s attempt to close the HDP. If the HDP is suppressed, peace and democracy in the country will also be suppressed. Currently, years after the demonstrations, the Turkish regime accuses the HDP of terrorism, citing the clashes that took place during the protests," Svenneling noted.

ACTIONS WERE TAKEN ALL OVER THE WORLD TO PROTEST ISIS

Svenneling recalled that the Left Party, along with peoples all over the world, carried out actions to condemn the attacks of ISIS which was indirectly supported by the Turkish state.

Citing the hearing on Monday in which 108 party executives, including former HDP co-chairs Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ are standing trial, Svenneling said that “These hearings show that preventing the Kurds from enjoying their rights is more important for Erdogan than the fight against ISIS.”

Left Party Foreign Policy Spokesperson stated that they could not attend the hearing due to the pandemic, but their party will continue their solidarity campaign launched on social media under the hashtags #SolidarityWithHDP and #DefendKobani.

‘SUPPORT FOR HDP PROMOTES PEACE AND DEMOCRACY’

Svenneling pointed out that the Left Party's support to the HDP promotes peace and democratization in Turkey.

Speaking to ANF, Yekbun Alp, vice chair of the International Left Forum, said that they would continue their solidarity with the HDP and democracy forces to protest the arrest of HDP members and the attempts to close it down.

Alp said that the Swedish government’s criticism against Erdogan is better than silence.

‘IT IS NOT ENOUGH JUST TO TALK’

“Silence is acceptance. Our values and our great promises are being tested now. If we are serious about democracy, human rights, we must talk openly about what is happening in Turkey. Moreover, it is not enough just to talk, we must be ready to put pressure on Turkey."

Alp remarked that the Swedish government adopted a sanction policy against Turkey, which was proposed by the Left Party.

MEP MALIN BJÖRK TALKED TO HDP EUROPEAN REPRESENTATIVE

Meanwhile, member of the European Parliament of the Swedish Left Party, Malin Björk, and the vice chair of the International Left Forum, Yekbun Alp talked to HDP's European Representative Derviş Çimen in an online meeting.

Çimen gave detailed information regarding the crackdown and attacks against the HDP and the Kobanê case that will begin on Monday.

Çimen said that they agreed to continue the relations between the HDP and the Left Party.

LEFT PARTY’S CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT HDP

In Uppsala, members of the Left Party launched a campaign on their social media account to support HDP members who were brought before the judiciary.

The Left Party members shared video footages of their speeches which emphasized their support for HDP.

Ilona Szatmarä Waldau (Deputy): "Today, a lawsuit is taking place against HDP and Kobanê resistance."

Tobies Smedberg (Uppsala City Councillor): "We condemn this case and stand by HDP and those who resist."

Hanna Victoria Mörk (City Councilor): "To support HDP is to support Turkey's democratization"

Per Marckus Risman (Head of Left Party Uppsala District): "Supporting the Kobanê insurgents means supporting humanity."

Yekbun Alp (2nd vice chair of the International Left Forum): "Use #SolidaritywithHDP and #DefendKobani hashtags on social media to show your support."