Turkish police detained Abdullah Arınan and Rojda Yılmaz, co-chairs of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party’s Esenyurt district branch, in a raid early on Monday, citing alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK). The raid, conducted by the İstanbul chief public prosecutor’s office, has been criticised by the party as an assault on democratic freedoms.
In the early hours of Monday, officers forcibly entered the DEM Party’s Esenyurt office and confiscated materials, including items used in a memorial event for Gülşen Atalmış, who was killed in a 1995 rural military operation, and photos of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. The İstanbul prosecutor’s office claimed the operation aimed to disrupt “PKK/KCK terrorist activities”.
DEM Party’s İstanbul branch condemned the raid, stating, “This morning, our Esenyurt office was unlawfully raided without prior notice, and our co-chairs were detained under fabricated pretexts. This is a clear attempt to criminalise our party and silence democratic opposition. Despite these attacks, our commitment to democratic struggle remains unwavering.”
Following the raid, Arınan and Yılmaz voluntarily went to the İstanbul Police Headquarters for questioning, accompanied by their legal counsel. However, instead of routine procedures, they were placed in custody, and their homes were searched later the same day. Both detainees were subjected to a 24-hour lawyer visitation restriction, with legal access expected to resume on Sunday.
This incident is part of a broader crackdown on the opposition by Turkey’s ruling party, raising concerns about the suppression of political dissent ahead of upcoming elections. The DEM Party, known for advocating Kurdish rights and democratic reform, has faced increased pressure amid escalating tensions in Turkish politics.
The party vowed to continue its democratic resistance, accusing the government of exploiting anti-terror laws to stifle opposition. “This attack reflects the government’s fear of democratic alternatives,” it said.
