BDP accuses AKP for lynching campaign

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

Under fire from the government and other political parties over its stance regarding terrorism, the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) has accused the ruling party of leading a lynching campaign against them, provoking some organized groups to attack party branches.

“We are watching with growing concern the attacks and the campaign carried out by the government and pro-government media against our party and our people,” İdris Baluken, deputy parliamentary group leader of the BDP, said in a written statement yesterday, adding that this campaign has escalated since the deadly car-bombing in Gaziantep Aug. 20.

“We would like inform the public that the ongoing lynching campaign against our party is a part of the political genocide already launched against us,” Baluken said, adding that the party has already condemned and cursed the attack in Gaziantep and does not approve of attacks against civilians. Accusing the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its officials of using racist, nationalist and hate-filled language and trying to legitimize it in the wake of recent terrorist attacks, Baluken said, “We declare that if any kind of attack occurs against our party, the AKP is responsible. Establishing peace requires good faith, trust and labor. We want to indicate that the BDP will continue to carry out the work that is necessary for peace and prosperity, as we always have in the past. We are renewing our call those who act and talk with hate and try to separate us to look sharp.”

About 100 people who had gathered to protest a terrorist attack in Gaziantep in which nine civilians were killed on Aug. 20 attacked the Gaziantep provincial office of the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) last night. The group marched toward the building shouting slogans before smashing the party’s sign over the door and breaking windows. Police were sent to the area, and increased security measures have been taken in the area.