Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party has refused to recognise or implement Turkey’s newly passed animal control law, criticising the government for targeting “not just Kurds, but all living beings”.
The announcement was made during a two-day ‘Democratic Local Governance Workshop’ in Van (Wan), attended by DEM Party leaders and local officials. The workshop focused on recent political developments and the challenges faced by municipalities following the elections.
“Cities, streets, and avenues belong to other living beings, dogs and cats as well as humans,” Bakırhan said. He condemned the government’s broader approach to Kurdish traditions and urged for increased cultural expression as a form of resistance.
Since mid-July, Turkey’s Interior Ministry has been conducting a campaign of raids and arrests targeting Kurdish cultural gatherings. The operations focus on individuals participating in traditional Kurdish dances, known as govend, at events such as weddings or street celebrations. Dozens have been arrested and remanded in custody after videos of these activities were spotted on social media. This surveillance effort appears to be supported by a technology-driven police operation that identifies specific Kurdish music tracks, particularly those celebrating Kurdish resistance against repression.
Additionally, in Kurdish-majority cities, DEM Party municipalities added Kurdish signs to roads. These were covered by racist slogans, allegedly with police support. The DEM Party then repainted the Kurdish signs. The state responded by ordering their removal.
Neslihan Şedal, Co-Mayor of Van Metropolitan Municipality, discussed the difficulties faced after the elections, stating, “The elections were not easy for us, and we succeeded through great resistance. However, after the elections, our municipalities were attacked.”
Co-Mayor Abdullah Zeydan reaffirmed the party’s commitment to implementing their “democratic nation paradigm” despite the obstacles created by appointed trustees.
Bakırhan also condemned the Yazidi Genocide and criticised broader government policies, stating, “They are not only enemies of Kurds, but also enemies of nature, traditional dances, the Kurdish language and symbols.”
