ŞIRNEX - Representatives of civil society organisations and political parties stated that there is an anti-peace mind-set at work among the local authorities in Şirnex (Şırnak), which has become the centre of practices that have been at odds with the Peace and Democratic Society Process since its inception. 

 

Developments in Şirnex are noteworthy in the Peace and Democratic Society Process, which began with the call of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan. The city first came to the fore with the obstruction of condolences, interventions at funerals and the banning of actions that had been on-going before the process. Most recently, it has returned to the spotlight with threats and obstructions against the co-mayors. Co-mayors Guler Tunc Yerbasan and Abdurahim Durmus, elected with a high vote of 72.88 per cent in Cizîr, were threatened with insults by Şırnak Security Chief Suayip Ogdur. Recent developments have convinced representatives of civil society organisations and political parties in the city that a special policy is being implemented there. 

 

The Education and Science Workers' Union (Egitim Sen) Şirnex Branch Executive Committee member Mesut Aslan launched a hunger strike against the overturning of the prison sentence given to Burak Ercan, a teacher who harassed many students in Cizîr (Cizre), and Aslan faced hundreds of police officers during a march planned for 15 October. Aslan said that special restrictions were in place in Şirnex.

 

Aslan pointed out that while peace, brotherhood and disarmament were being discussed in Turkey, prohibitions and restrictions continued in Şirnex. He emphasised that freedom of expression must be exercised for peace to become a social norm. Aslan stated that this could be achieved through democratic actions and activities, but that different practices were in place in Şirnex. 

 

He added: "While we are striving for social peace, certain groups are signing policies against it. Local authorities should pave the way for democratic politics. Peace can become socialised in this way. We will increase our actions for peace against all attempts at obstruction; the people will be the winners." 

 

SPECIAL APPLICATIONS IN EFFECT

 

Cahit Akil, a member of the Birca Belek Language and Culture Association, stated that there has been no change in the state's view of Botan with the Peace and Democratic Society Process, adding that special measures have been in place in the city since the 1990s and remain unchanged. Akil added that actions and events planned in the city are arbitrarily banned: "They do not want the peace process led by Mr. Öcalan to succeed. They are doing everything they can to prevent this process from resonating with the people. The Ministry of the Interior should see what is being done and take the necessary action against those responsible. We have not accepted these bans and will not accept them."

 

'THE PROCESS HAS NOT REACHED ŞIRNEX FOR A YEAR'

 

Pınar Akil, co-chair of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) in Şirnex, also reacted to the bans, threats and obstruction attempts, adding that the right to protest had been effectively eliminated in the city. Stating that women would not bow to prohibitive practices, Akil recalled that mayors had been threatened by security officials, saying, "The process has been going on for a year, but it still hasn't reached Şirnex." Pınar Akil emphasised that they would continue the struggle.

 

'THERE IS NO LEGAL JUSTIFICATION FOR THE BANS'

 

Rojger Nuh Ant, a member of the Lawyers for Freedom Association (ÖHD) Şirnex Branch, emphasised that the on-going bans in the city have no legal basis, stating that while actions and events were held throughout Turkey and Kurdistan on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, even this was banned in Şirnex. 

 

"Unlawful obstructions that run counter to the spirit of the process must be abandoned. Human rights defenders must raise their voices against these bans," he said. 

 

MOTHERS' DEMAND FOR PEACE 

 

Esmer Cikmaz, a member of the Şirnex Peace Mothers Council, stated that mothers were waiting for peace, pointing out that condolences in the city were being prevented, and emphasised that the peace mothers stood behind the mayors. 

 

She concluded: "Today we are talking about peace, but in Şirnex we are still talking about bans, restrictions and attacks. Actions that are free everywhere are banned here. We have not accepted this and we will not accept it. As mothers, we will join hands and bring this process to a successful conclusion."

 

MA / Emrullah Acar