Sit-in protest against YPG/PKK continues in SE Turkey

By Aziz Aslan

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) - A sit-in by families in southeastern Turkey entered Day 252 on Monday.

Demonstrators demanded that a terror-linked political party free their children from the YPG/PKK terror group.

The protest started on Sept. 3, 2019 when dozens of mothers camped outside the office of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) which is accused by the government of having links to the YPG/PKK.

Sevdet Demir is one of the mothers who wants her son back from the terror group.

Her son, Fatih was abducted five years ago. She said she is determined to continue her protest until she is reunited with her son.

"I will continue fighting until my son returns. My son! If you hear me, please come back to me," she said.

Protester Omer Tokay, whose son Mehmet was also abducted at age 14, said terrorists deceived her son by saying they will take him to a picnic and kidnapped him nine years ago.

"Please my son, if you see me or hear my voice, surrender to our soldier and police," he said.

Calling on his son to trust the security forces, Tokay said 13 friends of his son surrendered to the security forces and now, they are safe with their families.

People in Turkey linked to terrorist groups who surrender are eligible for possible sentence reductions under a repentance law.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

*Writing by Fahri Aksut