Major crisis during Barzani visit: Allegations that co-mayors were threatened

The 4th International Melaye Ciziri Symposium was held in the Cizre district of Şırnak. Among those attending the symposium was Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani. The event in Cizre became the scene of several crises as it intersected with tensions in local politics.

At the symposium, Deputy Minister of Interior Münir Karaloğlu welcomed Barzani in both Turkish and Kurdish. Additionally, Presidential Advisor Gülşen Orhan, Şırnak Governor Birol Ekici, AKP Şırnak Deputy Arslan Tatar, DEM Party deputies Ayşegül Doğan, Mehmet Zeki İrmez, Nevroz Uysal Aslan, and HÜDA PAR Gaziantep Deputy Şehzade Demir were also present at the event.

DEM PARTY WAS NOT INVITED ON THE FIRST DAY

However, the fact that the DEM Party was not invited on the first day of the symposium created significant tension. DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan stated that they were invited to the event at the last minute, saying, "This organization should have been conducted collectively and together. If we are truly talking about a new era, we should move forward with a more inclusive approach, not with such discrimination."

Allegations surfaced that Cizre Municipality co-mayors Güler Tunç Yerebasan and Abdurrahim Durmuş were not allowed into the hotel and were even threatened by the Police Chief. While confirming these allegations, Ayşegül Doğan said: "The Police Chief's threats toward the co-mayors were directly prone to violence. This type of attitude is unacceptable."

Doğan stated that the co-mayors were not allowed into the hotel hall where the symposium was to be held, emphasizing that they have evidence of the incident. "We have footage of this," she said.

SOME WERE IGNORED, OTHERS WERE INVITED

Doğan evaluated the fact that the DEM Party was not invited at the beginning of the program by saying, "This was an event hosted by the Cizre Municipality, and DEM Party's local administrations should have been included in the program." Stating that "Understanding Melaye Ciziri means correctly understanding not only the history of that region but also all of its dynamics," Doğan added: "This event cannot be successful by ignoring the Cizre Municipality, the co-mayors, and the deputies."

MASOUD BARZANI: I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO VISIT CIZRE MUNICIPALITY

Doğan also shared what happened with Masoud Barzani. Stating that Barzani expressed a desire to visit the Cizre Municipality, Doğan said that Barzani could not do so due to his official schedule. "Barzani said, 'I would very much like to go to the municipality,' but it was not included in his program," she said, emphasizing the importance of hearing the voices of politicians in Cizre.

Criticizing the Şırnak Governorship, the District Governorship, and Şırnak University—which were among the organizers of the symposium—for excluding the Cizre Municipality from the program, Doğan said, "When organizing an event in these lands, it is necessary to take into account the dynamics and sensitivities of the region. This affects not only the organization but also the peace of the society."

THE POLICE CHIEF'S ATTITUDE AND THREATS ARE UNACCEPTABLE

Touching upon the tensions experienced before the symposium, Doğan defined the Police Chief's threatening of the Cizre Municipality co-mayors as "direct violence." Doğan stated, "We have encountered similar attitudes in Cizre before, but this situation is unacceptable. No one has the right to threaten anyone, especially elected local officials."

"THERE IS RESISTANCE TO CHANGE AND TRANSFORMATION"

Finally, Doğan pointed out that ignoring the demands of local administrations and the public would negatively affect the resolution process in the region. "This attitude shows that more struggle is needed for the redefinition and integration of the society in the region," she said.

"A DREAM OF MINE CAME TRUE"

The remarks made by Masoud Barzani during his visit to Cizre were also noteworthy. Stating that he had dreamed of visiting Mem u Zin since his childhood, Barzani said, "Today, my dream came true."

News Source: 12punto