The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party has reported widespread protests in the Kurdish regions of Turkey against the recent imposition of government-appointed trustees on local communities. Under the slogan “No trustees, only democracy”, rallies and marches were held in Van (Wan), Doğubayazıt (Bazîd), Yüksekova (Gever) and Silopi (Silopya), with significant participation from political leaders, civil society organisations and members of the public.
In Yüksekova, the DEM Party reported that a large march was attended by prominent figures such as the co-chair of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), Keskin Bayındır, as well as several deputies and representatives of various civil organisations and political groups. Addressing the crowd, Bayındır highlighted the resilience of the people of Yüksekova, saying, “The people of Yüksekova have endured oppression without surrendering. Our people have been resisting this injustice for five days. The Kurdish people and their allies are on the streets against this usurpation of their will and will continue to reject it.”
In Van, a mass march was attended by the deputy leader of the DEM Party, Sezai Temelli, and many other demonstrators. Expressing his opposition to the trusteeship policy, Temelli said, “I appeal to all people in Turkey – workers, women and citizens who have suffered under this government: let us stand together against this trusteeship regime.” He stressed that Abdullah Öcalan should be seen as the main interlocutor on the Kurdish issue, saying: “Mr Öcalan is the chief negotiator. We are ready to take our responsibility in every step towards a solution, but this process must start with the end of isolation”.
In Doğubayazıt, a protest march was accompanied by a public statement by Sırrı Sakık, an Ağrı (Agirî) deputy from the DEM Party, who condemned the trusteeship as an affront to the will of the people. “The trusteeship is a violation of the people’s mandate,” said Sakık. “You have brought in thousands of police and military, but the will of our people remains unbroken. Who are you to override the will of the people?”
In Silopi, the march was joined by Berdan Öztürk, co-chair of the Democratic Society Congress (DTK), along with DEM Party deputies and many residents. DEM Party deputy Adalet Kaya said: “The trusteeship is an attempt to override the will of the Kurdish people. We understand the motives behind this trusteeship policy”. Öztürk added: “For the third time, they are depriving the Kurdish people of their right to self-government. This is not a solution. They have to respect the results of the ballot box.”
Since 2016, the Turkish government has appointed trustees in Kurdish-majority municipalities, citing security concerns. While the ruling coalition of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) defends the policy as necessary, critics argue that it undermines local democracy, alienates Kurdish communities and violates democratic principles, drawing both domestic and international condemnation.
