Co-Mayor of Batman (Êlih) Gülistan Sönük condemned the Turkish government’s appointments of trustees replacing elected mayors in Kurdish-majority municipalities in the face of massive protests. Speaking from the square which is the hub of the protests in Batman on Sunday, Sönük expressed her defiance, addressing the authorities and the police surrounding the protesters.
“You believe that you can break the will of the women you want to isolate from governance, but you are gravely mistaken,” Sönük declared, her voice ringing through the resistance ground. “We, the women, are speaking to you from Batman’s resistance ground, from this square that we have made a place of resistance for the past seven days.”
Pointing to the bigger issue of gender inequality, she continued: “We know that you aim with the trustees to construct your system of masculinity. You are trying to suppress us, but we will not be silenced. We stand firm, knowing what you intend to build, but we will completely destroy this construction of masculinity you want to create. We will bring it down.”
Sönük’s remarks were delivered as thousands of police officers and dozens of armoured vehicles were deployed to contain the protests, which have been ongoing for a week. Despite these obstacles, the protesters show know signs of backing down. The demonstrations have spread through several cities, including Batman, Halfeti (Xelfetî) in Urfa (Riha), Mardin (Mêrdîn) and İstanbul, with many joining in solidarity.
Pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party MP Ferit Şenyaşar, addressed protesters in Halfeti, calling for broad participation in a major rally planned for Batman on 17 November. Meanwhile, in İstanbul’s Esenyurt district, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) MPs faced a police blockade when attempting to enter the municipal building, but were eventually allowed access following intervention from parliament.
Youth protesters in Batman, who have faced rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannon, are undeterred, continuing their resistance into its eighth day. The demonstrators chant, “The trustees will leave, the people will stay”, calling for the end of the trusteeships imposed by the Turkish government.
The protests have led to over 200 arrests in Kurdish-majority areas, with 173 detained in Batman alone. Many of those arrested are minors, highlighting the broad appeal of the protests.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has defended the trustee appointments, claiming they were made based on judicial and administrative decisions. He also criticised CHP leader Özgür Özel for his support of the protests, which continue to gain momentum despite the government’s stance.
