Warning from Alevi organizations: "Responsibility must be taken against division"

Representatives from the Alevi Bektashi Federation, the Confederation of European Alevi Unions, the Alevi Federation of Turkey, the Australian Alevi Bektashi Federation, and the Pir Sultan Abdal Cultural Association drew attention to the current political crisis and the growing atmosphere of pressure in Turkey through a joint statement. With the upcoming Republican People's Party (CHP) cases and political debates on the agenda, Alevi organizations warned that there is an attempt to divide the opposition.

The joint statement addressed the artificial agendas that have emerged, particularly with the recent internal conflicts within the CHP, and emphasized that the public's real problems should not be ignored. While the representatives called for sensitivity against the government's efforts to weaken the opposition, they underscored that it is essential for all political movements, especially the CHP, to act responsibly against reactionary, fascist, and imperialist encirclement.

The statement noted that war, poverty, assimilation, and loss of rights continue in the region. It warned that, along with the historical burden of discriminatory policies to which Alevis and many social segments are subjected, the grounds for democratic struggle have been damaged by recent events. It was emphasized that society's attention should not be diverted by artificial agendas, especially at a time when the anniversary of the Sivas Madımak Massacre is approaching.

Regarding the political power's strategy to fragment the opposition, the organizations stated: "In these days when we need to unite more than ever, the democratic opposition is being targeted. In order for all the struggles waged to date not to be in vain, everyone must act with common sense."

Alevi organizations strongly rejected the use of faith and identity as a tool in political conflicts, sharing the sentiment: "Politics cannot be conducted through insults and hate speech based on people's identities. We absolutely condemn this approach as well."

At the end of the statement, the following call was made to Alevis and society: "We will not fall for the government's games under any circumstances. We will not abandon the democratic struggle and be dragged into meaningless internal conflicts. We invite all social actors to act responsibly against the prevailing atmosphere of pressure. Against the massacre-prone mentality and rhetoric that divides society, we will continue to say: 'Come, let us be one, dear ones.'"

News Source: 12punto