Semra Güzel, the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s (HDP’s) MP for Diyarbakır (Amed) in Turkey spoke to Mesopotamia Agency (MA) about the party’s work in Diyarbakır for the ‘Justice for All’ campaign.
The HDP launched its ‘Justice for All’ campaign on 8 February, she noted, to give voice to the demands of justice by the oppressed peoples in the country. The campaign aims to strengthen the economic power of society and address the social devastation and political turmoil that is evident.
Meetings with non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) have been organised, she clarified: “There have been public meetings, public gatherings with political parties, press releases and various events. The HDP has been actively continuing the ‘Justice for All’ campaign”.
‘The government uses the judiciary as a tool’
Güzel stated that the HDP received “solid reflections of injustice while working in the field”. HDP MPs had visited tradespersons in 17 districts, met with 34 representatives of NGO’s and sent petitions to the Ministry of Justice, based on the reports they prepared during these visits in Diyarbakır. Güzel added that the HDP will continue to organise and join in the public meetings in all districts, neighbourhoods and villages of Diyarbakır in the coming days.
“The unjust approach of the government has expanded to every section of society. The demand for justice has become a common demand of society”, she observed. “Society now sees that the judiciary has become politicised. We know that everyone who opposes the government is detained or faced with pressure. The government uses the judiciary as a tool. There is injustice in the judiciary. The Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power by saying: ‘We will oppose poverty, corruption and prohibitions’, but today corruption, poverty and prohibitions against free speech dominate society”, she said.
People are now ‘used to reform packages which are not put into practice’
The Human Rights Action Plan announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has not found popular support in society, she argued.
People are now “used to reform packages which are not put into practice. Society remains numb and shows no sign of excitement about these so-called reform plans”, she said.
