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Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Batman Youth Assembly members were met with police intervention as they attempted to make a statement for the press to raise concerns over the Ilısu Dam project that will engulf the ancient city of Hasankeyf and its surrounding Tigris Valley.
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As reported by Mezopotamya Agency (MA), HDP Batman Provincial Organization and HDP Batman Youth Assembly members went to Hasankeyf for the statement today (June 12). The viewing platform and central bazaar, where the statement would be held, were blockaded by the police and gendarmerie forces. Police officers did not allow the protesters into the area.
Police battered the protesters
HDP Batman Youth Assembly members attempted to read out their statement in front of HDP District Office. However, the police prevented the statement, referring to a decision taken by the Governorship.
As the protesters set out to make a statement against this prevention, they were met with police intervention. 32 young people from the HDP and journalist Sonya Bayık were taken into custody by being battered.
Allegation of battery in police car
It has been reported that pepper gas was used on the detained in police cars and there were marks of battery on several of them.
It has also been claimed that plastic bullets were used on the detained in police cars. The ones who were taken into custody have been referred to Hasankeyf State Hospital for health check.
HDP: Release them immediately
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HDP Spokesperson for Law and Human Rights Commission and Batman MP Ayşe Acar Başaran released a written statement for the press regarding the issue and denounced the police intervention against the protesters.
Underlining the importance of Hasankeyf for human history and culture, Acar Başaran said, "We demand that the ones detained while using their Constitutional rights be immediately released." (EMK/SD)
* Photographs: Mezopotamya Agency (MA)
