15 bar associations demand immediate resolution of Kurdish question

15 bar associations demand immediate resolution of Kurdish question
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“The deadlock of the Kurdish question is one of the most important barriers to Turkey's democracy," the bars said in a declaration

The Kurdish question is Turkey's most important and painful issue and demands an immediate resolution before any democratization attempt in Turkey, 15 bar associations of Kurdish majority cities said on Sunday. 

“The deadlock of the Kurdish question is one of the most important barriers to Turkey's democracy. We have sadly experienced that the Kurdish issue cannot be resolved with violence and security policies. We think it is essential to achieve a broad consensus that includes all segments of society for a democratic and peaceful solution to the issue on the basis of equal citizenship," said the bars in a final declaration of a meeting where they discussed professional, legal and social problems.

The declaration said that the request for the closure of political parties is an unacceptable attempt which will move the country away from the rule of law and democratic values.

 "The Constitutional Court, should decide the rejection of closure cases on the basis of freedom of association, especially the case of HDP,” it said. 

The bars also said the legislative work on transitioning to a new structure in professional organizations, especially in the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) “signals a new climate in which freedom of association will be put under serious pressure”

TTB Head Sebnem Korur Fincanci was arrested late October after her remarks demanding an investigation into allegations that said Turkish Armed Forces used chemical agents against PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) militants in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

“Legal amendment means the establishment of new trustee regimes for the professional and non-governmental organizations,” according to the statement. 

The declaration also drew attention to the reluctant attitude of the courts in the cases regarding serious human rights violations and said this attitude strengthens the impunity for the perpetrators.