Pro-Kurdish DEM Party FMC: Our side is clear: Democracy

March 19: A Black Stain on Democracy

The Central Executive Committee (MYK) of the Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) issued a written statement following an extraordinary meeting in Diyarbakır, convened in response to the detention of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, district mayors, politicians, and journalists. "We will strengthen our fight against injustice and oppression by upholding democratic values," the statement declared, emphasizing that March 19 will be remembered as a dark day in the history of democracy.

A Politically Motivated Operation

"In the early hours of the morning, Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, district mayors, journalists, and dozens of others were detained in an operation that flagrantly disregarded the rule of law. As the DEM Party, we strongly condemn this unlawful and politically motivated operation and categorically reject it." DEM Party Co-Chairperson Tulay Hatimoğulları and a delegation from the Executive Committee announced plans to visit the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in solidarity.

A Civilian Coup

"This operation is a blatant act of political repression, incompatible with justice and the rule of law. These detentions, carried out under the guise of legality, demonstrate how the judiciary has been weaponized for political purposes. It is clear that democratic governance has been suspended and a civilian coup is being implemented."

Our Stance is Clear: Democracy

"As the DEM Party, we have always stood and will continue to stand on the side of democracy and the rule of law. A core principle of our decades-long struggle is to defend the will of the people against attacks on democratic institutions. Today, as always, we oppose political coups and unlawful actions. Our unwavering position is to uphold justice, freedom, and democracy. Our stance is clear: democracy, democracy, democracy."

Öcalan’s Call: The Guiding Principle of Our Struggle

"Mr. Öcalan’s Call for Peace and Democratic Society, made public on February 27, serves as the guiding principle of our struggle. Dubbed the Call of the Century, it is a manifesto advocating for peace, democracy, and equal political rights for all 85 million citizens of this country. The future of this nation lies in peace and democracy. A democratic society built on these principles has no place for the judicial manipulation of politics or the suppression of the people’s will."

Political Repression Undermines the Spirit of the Process

"At a time when the Call of the Century has outlined a pathway to uniting society, the state, and the republic under true democracy, engaging in such political operations directly contradicts the spirit of this process. Instead of fostering trust, these actions deepen public skepticism toward the prospects of peace and democratic progress."

Urban Consensus is a Democratic Right

"In an era of growing efforts toward internal peace, portraying urban reconciliation as a criminal act is a dangerous misstep. Urban consensus is a legitimate and lawful practice of democracy. The participation of all social groups in forming a democratic governance model through primary elections is not a crime—it is the foundation of democratic life. Criminalizing this process and using it as justification for the detention of mayors and officials is irrational and unacceptable."

Unlawful Detentions Must End Immediately

"These violations of the law must cease immediately. Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and all those detained must be released without delay. We have consistently opposed oppression, tyranny, injustice, and the unlawful seizure of democratic authority, regardless of the perpetrator or the timing. We will continue to resist such injustices." "We stand together with millions of citizens whose hearts beat for democracy. From Diyarbakır to Istanbul, we are fully committed to building a democratic society. In a nation founded on peace and democracy, there is no room for civilian coups, authoritarian rule, or political conspiracies. As the DEM Party, we will persist in our struggle against all forms of injustice and oppression, holding steadfast to democratic values and the path to peace."