Verdicts in Turkey’s notorious Kobani case are punishment for anti-ISIS solidarity, stated the pro-Kurdish party co-chairs on Sunday.
Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party co-chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan have visited Figen Yüksekdağ, former co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), in Kocaeli Kandıra Prison. They condemned her sentencing as an attempt to punish the solidarity and collective struggle against ISIS.
Outside the prison, supporters gathered to protest the Kobani (Kobanê) case verdict with chants of “bijî berxwedana zindanan” (long live prison resistance). Following the visit, Hatimoğulları addressed the press, stating, “Our co-chair is in good spirits and remains highly motivated. She extends her thanks to all institutions, political party representatives and civil society organisations who supported her throughout the trial.”
Hatimoğulları explained Yüksekdağ’s perspective on the sentences: “This decision aims to condemn the solidarity and shared struggle. From the start, we have called the Kobani case a political and retaliatory case. Those who showed the strongest stance against ISIS, in Turkey, the Middle East and globally, are now being punished. This will not deter us from our solidarity and freedom struggle.”
Tuncer Bakırhan added, “We did not come to offer condolences, because Figen Yüksekdağ continues to uphold her revolutionary and socialist identity. Despite the unjust trial and political sentencing, she remains a valuable comrade. We discussed the current situation and future challenges, drawing strength from her high morale.”
Bakırhan further stressed the ongoing nature of the struggle: “The trial has not ended. Our people’s resistance and solidarity will render these baseless charges ineffective. We will continue to stand with our comrades in prison, fighting together for a democratic future.”
He concluded by conveying Yüksekdağ’s greetings: “She sends her regards to all people of Turkey, especially women and the youth. We will strengthen our fight with the morale and motivation we have received from her.”
The DEM Party leaders emphasised their commitment to continue their struggle for justice and solidarity against the backdrop of political repression and the Kobani case, asserting that the fight for freedom and democracy in Turkey is far from over.
