Demirtaş to Davutoğlu: What are you trying to hide?

[Anthea]

Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş commented on the Ankara massacre and the recent developments on the agenda before the meeting of his party’s Executive Committee in Ankara today.

Answering reporters’ questions before the meeting, HDP co-chair strongly criticised the broadcast ban on Ankara bombing and reacted to Davutoğlu’s threats of intervention against the PYD. Demirtaş also pointed out that the group in preparation of an assassination attack against him has not been intervened by the state.

‘BROADCAST BAN IMPOSED TO HIDE AKP-ISIS COLLABORATION’

Referring to the broadcast ban on Ankara bombing, HDP co-chair said broadcasting about the massacre would be an obligation rather than a ban if there existed any slightest suspicion regarding PKK’s involvement. He said the ban has been imposed to hide the happenings and the AKP-ISIS collaboration from the public.

“What is it the prime minister tries to hide? Let everyone express their views freely. The public already knows what has happened, you cannot bury your head in the sand like an ostrich”, he said.

ASSASSINATION PLAN

Commenting on the assassination plans against him, Demirtaş said: “It is not something to dwell on very much as we might face some risks while doing our job. What matters here is the public security. The government has become a factor that impairs public security, let alone ensure it. Davutoğlu (Turkish PM) says they have a list of suicide bombers but cannot arrest them, while a number of mayors and students are being arrested on daily basis. The safest thing in the country is to be a suicide bomber now. It is a reason to avoid detention and an assurance before the law.”

Demirtaş stressed that there has been no information with regards to an operation against the group of suicide bombers or ISIS and many other similar groups present in Turkey. “ISIS is an enemy of not only us but also entire Turkey and Islam. ISIS members do freely get organized, collect donations and provide training in Turkey. It is not right to discuss the issue over me myself as the entire country faces this threat today. We have to struggle jointly against this barbarian organisation”.

‘PYD IS A POPULAR MOVEMENT THAT HAS DEFEATED ISIS’

Regarding the remarks of Turkish Prime Minister threatening to intervene the PYD, Demirtaş said “He has been fighting against the PYD for three years already. The weapons he sends are used against the PYD which is a popular movement that defeated ISIS despite their intervention.”

‘THE DETAINEES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH AKP’

Commenting on the detention of some as suspects of Ankara bombing, Demirtaş said “Despite the allegations that one of them was my assistant, their relation with the AKP has been proved already. The Prime Minister himself is also involved in this team.”

‘SOCIETY CONCERNED OVER SECURITY OF LIFE’

HDP co-chair said ten rallies previously planned by their party will be replaced by other activities as there exists no election atmosphere in the country, nor motivation for a campaign at the moment. “The society is concerned over their security of life. We will therefore plan our campaign in consideration of these sensitivities”, he added