Community figures issue HDP call

Film director Haco Çeko

Supporters of the pro-Kurdish People’s Democracy Party (HDP) were out in force over the weekend ahead of the upcoming Turkish election.

A group of artisans gathered outside Wood Green library where they issued a call for popular support.

Film director Haco Çeko said the election was important at a time that Turkey goes through an important stage in its struggle for democracy.

He listed a wide range of reasons why people should vote HDP, including the abuse of pensioner rights, raising education standards; preventing attacks of Kurds, Alevis and other ethnic and religious identities; preventing policies of assimilation and attacks on women; and giving hope to the youth.

Nearly 90 artists signed a “Vote for the HDP” call, including Cahit Baylav, Ceyhun C. Güner, Çiğdem Aslan, Olcay Bayır, Sedat Sarıcı, Sümer Erek and Vehbi Koca – all of whom are well-known figures in the Turkish-speaking communities.

Nimet Sayar added that academics were among those supporting the party, saying “We are calling on the Turkish and Kurdish workers, society, thinkers and artisans living in Britain to give their vote and support to the HDP.”