The wave of arrests is the largest since the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) suffered considerable losses in the 31 March municipal elections. The dawn raids may herald the beginning of a new Turkish state crackdown on the Kurdish freedom movement.

Turkish police arrest 68 Kurdish activists

 

Turkish forces conducted dawn raids in Şırnak (Şirnex), Mardin (Mêrdîn), Mersin and Hakkâri (Colemêrg) on Thursday, arresting at least 68 people.

The Şırnak Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office reportedly issued arrest warrants for 60 people.

One of the arrestees, 21-year-old Harun Üzen, suffers from epilepsy. Üzen suffered a seizure during the raid in which his tongue slipped down his throat. He was taken to hospital, but has since been discharged.

Those arrested in Mersin included artists from the Sanatolia Culture and Art Centre, who are accused of “making propaganda for an illegal organisation”.

The wave of arrests is the largest of its kind since the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), in coalition with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), suffered considerable losses at the 31 March municipal elections.