DEM Party responds to Özgür Özel's 'There cannot be democracy in Diyarbakır and autocracy in Istanbul' remark

The Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) organized a panel in Istanbul for Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who passed away.

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan also delivered a speech at the panel.

Speaking about the new resolution process, Bakırhan argued that the demand for freedom and justice is a common demand for both Turks and Kurds.

Continuing his speech, Bakırhan responded—without naming him—to the words frequently voiced by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel: "There cannot be democracy in Diyarbakır and autocracy in Istanbul."

Bakırhan stated the following:

"Bread in Trabzon is not cheaper than in a Kurdish province. Diyarbakır's demand for freedom and Istanbul's search for justice are the same. We cannot separate these two from each other. Diyarbakır's demand for justice and Istanbul's demand for freedom walking together will democratize this country. If we separate them, the current powers will benefit from this. How is a common future built? It will be achieved by bringing together the Turk's search for security and stability with the Kurd's demand for rights and recognition. We are trying to do exactly that."

News Source: 12punto