Restraints on actions and events have continued in Van city, eastern Turkey, for almost four years.

Non-govermental Organisation (NGO) representatives in the city say that the restraints are targeting the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s (HDP) actions and can only be removed through struggle. The restraints, which were announced by the Van governorship across the city on 21 November 2016, have reached their 435th day.

The restraints have been justified on the gro unds of the state of emergency declared after the 15 July coup attempt, and it has been updated every 15 or 30 days. Van Bar’s application to the Van Administrative Court remains inconclusive.

As the restraints do not include the actions and events of the ruling Justice and Development Party and Nationalist Movement Party, HDP and unions events are not permitted. HDP and union representatives have made statements on the bans.

HDP Van provincial co-chair Ökkeş Kava said that the bans are only used against activities relating to the HDP and other democratic forces.