Trustee protest from DEM Party: 'Parliament must defend the right to vote and be elected'

Led by DEM Party group deputy chairs Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit and Sezai Temelli, 15 members of parliament held a sit-in at the TBMM Hall of Honor following a statement made in front of the Ministry of Interior. Reacting to the appointment of trustees, the MPs held signs and chanted slogans such as “Trustees are a coup, no to the coup,” “Jin jiyan azadi” (Women, Life, Freedom), and “Co-presidency is our red line.” The protesters reinforced their demonstration with ululations and applause.

'WE MUST DEFEND THE RIGHT TO VOTE AND BE ELECTED'

Group Deputy Chair Sezai Temelli emphasized Parliament's obligation to protect citizens' democratic rights, stating, “We will oppose war, isolation, and trustees.” Touching upon the situation in Syria, Temelli also criticized war policies and expressed that Kurds and Turks would continue the struggle for peace together.

'WE ARE WONDERING ABOUT THE REASONABLE TIME'

Responding to a journalist's question regarding the application for a meeting at İmralı, Temelli criticized the Ministry of Justice's statement regarding a “reasonable time.” Stating, “We are questioning the intentions of those who do not take steps for peace,” Temelli criticized the government, saying, “Instead of trying to lecture the DEM Party, fix your own settings first.”

'LIVE TRUSTEE EXHIBITION ON THE WAY'

Making a statement after the sit-in, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, Group Deputy Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit announced that they would hold a “live trustee exhibition” in Parliament the following day. Stating, “It cannot be expected that we remain silent against lawlessness,” Koçyiğit indicated that the protests would continue.

Following their demonstration, the DEM Party MPs moved to the Parliamentary General Assembly.