DEM Party members continue to protest against the appointment of trustees to the municipalities of Mêrdîn (Mardin) Metropolitan Municipality and Xelfeti (Halfeti) district of Riha (Urfa). Co-chairs Ahmet Türk and Devrim Demir and the accompanying masses who wanted to enter Merdîn Municipality building were prevented by police attacks with shields. 

 

DEM Party MP Beritan Güneş reacted against the trustees, “You will not be able to look after your children or your families. For a century this people did not back down and did not bow down. Let it be known that this people will not give in,” she said. 

 

Co-Mayor of the municipality Devrim Demir collapsed during the police attack with pepper gas. Demir was taken to the ambulance called to the scene and her condition was reported to be good. 

 

XELFETÎ

 

Co-Mayor Mehmet Karayılan made a statement in front of Xelfeti Municipality and said: “The appointment of a trustee is null and void for us. We do not recognize this decision. We were elected as co-mayors of this people. We will continue this duty with the power we get from our people. We will be worthy of our people. We have never gotten used to this persecution and we will never get used to it. This mentality will drown in this persecution. Those who are intolerant of the will of the people will be defeated. We will not accept the tyranny of fascism.” 

 

People continue to gather in front of the blockaded municipality buildings.