Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, previously known by the abbreviation ‘HEDEP’, has announced ‘DEM Party’ alternative, following a rejection by Turkey’s Court of Appeals. The court disapproved the HEDEP abbreviation on account of its similarity to the banned People’s Democracy Party (HADEP).
🔴 Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party adopts new 'DEM Party' abbreviation, following Court of Appeals' decision rejecting 'HEDEP'.#DEMparty | #HEDEP | #TwitterKurds
🌍 https://t.co/nnQ2DaXGxZ pic.twitter.com/mgto8fEkyA
— MedyaNews (@1MedyaNews) December 11, 2023
Party officials decided to adopt the new abbreviation under consultation with legal experts, following the Court of Appeals’ ruling.
While making the announcement during a press conference, party spokeswoman Ayşegül Doğan heavily criticised the court decision. “We are not without alternatives in the face of obstacles. Our experience in democratic political struggle over the past 30 years is a testament to this. We have had to establish new parties several times, but we have managed to make a mark in Turkey’s struggle for democracy, justice, and peace,” she said. “Our options are not and will not be exhausted.”
Doğan also mentioned that amendments requested by the Court of Appeals have been made in the party’s charter.
Conveying a sense of resilience, Doğan highlighted the party’s longstanding commitment to the values of freedom, equality, democracy, justice and peace, and defined their historical significance.
