Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) party members were battered by the police during the press release they organized to protest the appointment of trustees on May 21. HDP MP Gergerlioğlu who was exposed to police violence told about the incident.

 

Stating that they wanted to make a statement in order to protest the violence against the party members and the appointment of trustees, Gergerlioğlu said: "We wanted to speak our minds about the trustees and the extortion of the wills of our people but we were blocked by the police. We wanted to make a press release in the presence of the cameras but they prevented our voices from being heard by making noise with the buses."

 

Stating that they want to exercise their constitutional rights, Gergerlioğlu said, "We were there with two deputies and co-chairs, the police were disturbed by our statement." Underlining that the journalists were removed from the scene before the attack, Gergerlioğlu said: "They were so reckless and disrespectful. I am a member of the parliament. I represent the will of the people. We have some rights as MPs. They disrespected the people by disrespecting us."

 

Gergerlioğlu drawing attention to the footage of the attack broadcasted by our agency, said the attacks continued in the absence of the cameras. Gergerlioğlu said: "The police were kicking me where the cameras did not see. A police chief even told the police to be careful and tried to protect me. They were so reckless and disrespectful. What happened to us yesterday indicates how full of hate they are. I warned them that they should not be the law enforcement units of one party and that they will be brought to account in the future. Maybe they won't listen to me but they will remember my words when that day comes. That they will be the day they will be brought to account.

 

Gergerlioğlu  said he filed a criminal complaint against the officers in question.

 

MA / Emrullah Acar