16 May 2024 | 06:39 PM UTC
Turkiye: Authorities increase security, impose public gathering bans in southeastern provinces following controversial May 16 court ruling
Authorities increase security in several of Turkiye's southeastern provinces through at least May 20 following controversial court decision.
Increased security is likely into at least May 20 in portions of eastern and southeastern Turkiye due to concerns over potential reprisals and other forms of backlash following a controversial ruling by an Ankara court in a criminal case against several prominent members of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (Halklarin Demokratik Partisi, HDP). The governments of at least 12 provinces issued orders on May 16 imposing bans on demonstrations, marches, and other forms of public gatherings, as well as placing restrictions on entry into/exit from their respective territories, through 23:59 May 19. The provinces in question include: Agri, Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakir, Hakkari, Kars, Mardin, Mus, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, Van. Authorities have pointed to a number of national security and public safety concerns, including the potential for increased terrorist activity, as the basis for the move. Similar directives could be issued in additional jurisdictions over the coming days.
Authorities will almost certainly deploy increased numbers of civilian police and military personnel across affected provinces until it becomes clear that any security threat has abated. Security measures could include checkpoints along major thoroughfares in the region, increased vehicular and pedestrian searches, and the imposition of temporary closure zones, among other actions. Transport disruptions are likely. Pro-Kurdish activist groups could stage protests in response to the Ankara court's ruling; police will very likely respond swiftly and forcefully to any such gatherings that may materialize. Heightened activity by, or Turkish army operations targeting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group cannot be ruled out.
Exercise increased caution if operating in southeastern and eastern Turkey into at least May 20. Strictly heed the instructions of security personnel. Carry proper identification documents on your person at all times. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers. Avoid any demonstrations that may occur; keep away from any location where police or military personnel appear to be deploying.
The directives, which were issued by the governors of the affected provinces, come in the immediate wake of a decision by the 22nd High Criminal Court of Ankara in the prosecution of 108 members of the HDP for alleged criminal involvement in a series of violent 2014 protests over an Islamic State attack on the Syrian Kurdish city of Kobani. Most controversially, at the end of the case, the High Court sentenced former HDP co-chairs Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag - two prominent ethic Kurdish political figures - to decades-long prison terms.
