The most indestructible and unshakable strongholds of oppressive power can be overcome by women’s justification, legitimacy and leadership, imprisoned former co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Figen Yüksekdağ said in an interview with Artı Gerçek on Sunday.
Yüksekdağ was responding to questions from behind bars in Kocaeli F-Type Prison where she has been held since 2016.
Asked about the forthcoming presidential elections in Turkey, she shared her views on the HDP’s decision to run their own candidate and the negotiations with the opposition’s Nation Alliance, also known as the Table of Six, led by the Republican People’s Party (CHP).
“The discourse established by the opposition bloc for some time, and in particular the lack of consultation around the issue of a common candidate, paved the way for the HDP’s decision to nominate its own candidate,” she said.
Yüksekdağ agreed that the HDP had made the right decision, if a little late. She also recalled the blocks on the HDP’s Treasury accounts.
“Those who do not express dismay at the closure case and the block on the party’s Treasury accounts, or embrace the legitimacy of HDP, will face the consequences,” she said.
The jailed politician also said it will be possible to reverse and weaken the attacks of the government if the opposition bloc displays a strong stance. “All the opposition must unite without distinction of party or alliance to defend the right of the people to vote and be elected.”
She stressed that it will the National Alliance alone who will have to answer the question, “Why has no common candidate appeared?”
Recalling the protests that have emerged in Iran, Yüksekdağ said these showed that the cry of “Jin, Jîyan, Azadî!” (Woman, Life, Freedom!) and its movement changes a lot, even against the most most bigoted and merciless of dictatorships. The strongholds of oppressive power that appear most indestructible and unshakable can be overcome by women’s justification, legitimacy and leadership.
“The HDP’s majority view is to nominate a female candidate. This will be the most correct and appropriate decision,” she said.
