Turkey's Kurdish problem-focused HDP to rally in Istanbul as issue 'solved'

ISTANBUL

DHA Photo

The Peoples’ Democratic Party’s (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş tweeted that the dispute with Istanbul Governor’s Office over the party’s upcoming rally at Istanbul’s Kazlıçeşme Square was solved, with the demonstration to be held as planned. 

“The problem with our rally at Istanbul‘s Kazlıçeşme Square on May 30 is solved. We will be there at 3 p.m.,” Demirtaş wrote in his tweet. 

The Istanbul Governor’s Office said in a written statement May 26 that it would not allow an HDP election rally in Kazlıçeşme Square to be held on the grounds that the area is not open to demonstrations. 

The rejection came as surprise, since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has repeatedly offered the use of Kazlıçeşme Square in place of Taksim Square for May 1 celebrations, calling it a “convenient location.”

Demirtaş defined the decision as a “provocation” and said holding rallies was their right.

“It is only the president who is not allowed to demonstrate ahead of the elections. Nonetheless, he holds more rallies than any political party,” Demirtaş said.

HDP’s demonstration coincided with the celebrations of the anniversary of Istanbul’s conquest, which will be held in Istanbul’s Yenikapı district with the attendance of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu.