The appointment of trustees in place of elected Kurdish mayors in Turkey highlights the government’s ongoing hostility towards the Kurdish population. Despite discussions aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue through democratic means, the Turkish state continues to employ heavy-handed tactics, including military strikes on civilian infrastructure in Northeast Syria and Iraq, while simultaneously undermining Kurdish political representation domestically. Recent actions, such as the arrest of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer and the removal of mayors from Mardin and Batman, exemplify a broader strategy to consolidate power and suppress dissent by criminalizing Kurdish institutions and leaders under the pretext of combating terrorism. This pattern of governance raises serious concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and human rights in Turkey.
Urgent Press Release 4: Blackout and Renewed Attacks on Kobane
Water and electricity have been cut off in Kobane. Internet access was also severed shortly after this information was last shared. Local sources report that extremist forces are closing in…
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