Pro-Kurdish HDP holds extraordinary congress in Ankara

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), which supports the Kurdish rights, organized an extraordinary congress in Ankara on Sunday. During the congress, new co-chairs were elected in response to the party’s disappointing results in the most recent parliamentary.

HDP has faced mounting pressure to implement reforms following a notable decrease in votes during the May general election. To navigate a closure case against the party, they fielded candidates under YSGP which is sister party.

HDP convened an exceptional congress in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, on Sunday. During the congress Cahit Kirkazak and Sultan Ozcan became the new co-chairs.

“We promised the people of Kurdistan and Turkey and history that the path taken by mothers who died during the freedom struggle is our path. Their case is ours. We will definitely prevail in this case,” the newly elected co-chair during the event.

Cahit Kirkazak, one of the newly elected co-chairs of the HDP, has been a staunch defender of the party and its members in relation to the Kobane case. This case stems from the 2014 protests that took place in support of the Kurdish city of Kobane. When it was under attack by the Islamic State (ISIS).

The protests turned violent, resulting in the loss of many lives. Turkish authorities have placed blame on the HDP, alleging that the party encouraged its followers to take to the streets. Despite these allegations, Kirkazak has consistently stood by the HDP. And its members, advocating for their rights and defending their actions in relation to the Kobane case.

Selahattin Demirtas and some other prominent Kurdish politicians established HDP in 2012. Since its establishment, the party has consistently advocated for the rights of Kurds and other minority groups in Turkey. As a result of its strong stance on these issues, the HDP faced threats of bans and restrictions from Turkey

The Turkish government has taken various actions against the HDP over the years. Including attempts to shut down the party and imprison its members. These measures have often been justified on grounds of alleged links to terrorist organizations or separatist activities.

Despite these challenges, the HDP has continued to operate and participate in elections, working to represent the interests and rights of Kurds and other marginalized communities in Turkey. The party’s commitment to inclusivity and minority rights has made it a distinct political force in the country, fighting for greater equality and democratic reforms.

HDP faced significant criticism from the Kurds in Northern Kurdistan and Turkey after aligning with the Kemalist party CHP and its presidential candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in the general elections. This decision led to a dramatic loss of votes and support for the HDP. The party’s actions were seen as a betrayal by many Kurds, who felt that the HDP had abandoned their cause and interests by aligning with a party that did not prioritize Kurdish rights. These criticisms had a devastating impact on the HDP’s electoral performance and support base.