The police attack against the Kurdish activists in Newport, Wales last weekend was discussed in the Welsh Parliament. Plaid Cymru MP Bethan Sayed demanded an explanation from the government so the police practice doesn't happen again.
Activists on the long march from London to Newport in solidarity with Ilhan Sis, who has been on a hunger strike since December 17, 2018 in Newport, Wales, were stopped by the police. There was a skirmish between the police and the activists when the police attempted to stop the march.
Plaid Cymru MP Bethan Sayed posed an oral inquiry to the government in yesterday's parliamentary session. Sayed also demanded a special session to discuss the police’s relationship with the community and to avoid a repeat of the events.
“I have spoken about the Kurdish people’s woes in this parliament numerous times. There was a peaceful march in Newport this weekend, I saw photos and videos from it. I saw the way the police treated the activists. The Kurds were protesting Turkey's authoritarian regime’s policies against Kurds.
It scared me that the police in this country approach peaceful protesters this way. I see a definite need to hold a session about this and to discuss the matter. Also, after this incident I saw comments online that they should ‘go back and protest in their own country’. If the conditions to do so were present in Turkey, most of these protesters wouldn't be here anyways. We know what the price is to defend Kurds’ rights in Turkey, prison and torture. I demand that you give an explanation, so the police can have a positive relationship with the Kurdish community here and so incidents like this don't happen again.”
“WE SHOULD BE IN SOLIDARITY”
Sayed called for solidarity with Kurds in Wales and Kurds in Syria and Turkey: “The Turkish state continues to attack Kurds in Turkey and Syria. So, we should be in solidarity not just with Kurds here but Kurds in their own countries.”
“WE WILL DO WHAT'S NECESSARY”
Minister Rebecca Evans responded in the name of the government and said they mentioned the matter with the Turkish embassy. Evans added that the police’s approach was concerning for them as well and that they will be discussing the matter with relevant authorities.
Evans continued: “Our international affairs Minister recently met with the Turkish embassy and spoke these matters with them. We also see an increase in police attack against the people, which gives us concern. We are aware of the situation. I will discuss the matter more with my colleagues again and make sure the government informs the necessary institutions.”
