ANTALYA - Underlining that the government is responsible for the forest fires, HDP MP Kemal Bülbül said: "HDP base, the Kurdish people, the revolutionaries do not burn down forests. Those who set the people on fire in Madımak Hotel, those who slaughter a family in Konya and set the house of fire does."

 

The fires that started on July 28 in Antalya continues on its 9th day. Following the provocation of the pro-government media that the PKK had done it, people with guns and clubs in their hands have been hunting down Kurds in Manavgat, Serik, Alanya, Gazipaşa and Döşemealtı. A lot of people were attacked claimin they were Kurdish in Elmalı, Manavgat and Alanya. Even though the racist groups were caught on camera checking for IDs with guns in their hands, no legal action has been taken against anyone.

 

RACIST POLICIES

 

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Antalya Mp Kemal Bülbül who protested that the Kurds are being targeted, said the system in Turkey uses these racist groups as pawns in times like these. Underlining that no matter how much the HDP insists on equality and justice, the government uses these racist policies in times like these. Stating that the causes of the fire still haven't been determined, Bülbül said. "This alone is a great failure for the state. Not being able to put out these fires is also a great failure. It has been 9 days. These fires have not been started by revolutionarier, socialist or Kurds. HDP's voter base, the Kurds, the revolutionaries do not set forests on fire. Those who  set the people on fire in Madımak Hotel, those who slaughter a family in Konya and set the house of fire does. Of course, the security forces and local administrative chiefs know about these groups. They can do it anyway. Two crimes are being committed at the same time.  We wanted to talk to the governors and district governors regarding the issue, but no one answered our calls. Because they approve of attacks. This attitude means that the attacks against the Kurds will continue."

 

'WE ARE NOT LAMBS WAITING FOR SLAUGHTER'

 

Stating that the HDP will not allow racism in Antalya, Bülbül said: "Those responsible for the attacks against our people, their homes and workplaces are the administrative chiefs. We are not lambs waiting to be slaughtered. We know how to defend ourselves. We have enough common sense not to aggravate the already tense situation. Our people must be vigilant in the face of this threat and act with common sense."

 

 

 

MA / Ömer Akın