protest damage in Fethiye today

[apollo]

a storm in a teacup. Some lively protests, against a political party that supports terrorism, not riots!

[jonuzumlu]

I'm not sure the unfortunate baker will regard recent events as "lively protest"

[nichola]

I would hardly describe what happened as a lively protest. A violent and unprovoked racist attack is what I would call it and the people behind it are a disgrace.

The HDP is a legitimate organisation and they have every right to stand candidates in elections and a lot of work has been done over recent years to bring improvements and peace to that region of Turkey; even if oil is the primary driver.

Apollo, what would you do if you and your family, community and race of people  had been oppressed for years living in sub standard housing and general poverty, virtually no infrastructure such as health care and ability to earn a living and your children denied an education.

[Colwyn]

Thank you Nicola. I was beginning to think that everyone on this thread wanted to forget about the targets of these "protests" (or "thuggish attacks" as they might be called).

[apollo]

The protest was against an organisation which has no qualms regarding the use of terrorism. Kurds or Kurdish businesses were not targeted during the protests. The protesters wrath was visited on a two sympathetic businesse on in Taşyaka and the other in Günlükbaşı.

[atinabay]

I think I can go along up to a point with 'Apollo'.   Basically, it could have been worse (and who can  say it wont be) Of course, for some it was bad enough  . However, the overall picture as portrayed by Nichola dictates that this should be condemned. With all due respect, that's my opinion of course. Demonstrate, yes. Terrorise, no......... I was caught up many years ago in such a "lively protest". Wrong place wrong time situation.. My car was kicked, dents on doors and back window smashed...... We were just passing through. Three kids under ten in the car.   . You have no idea how frightening  it was. My youngest, then five, wet the bed every night  for the next two years.  She had never done so before.  That was a simple demo about council tax  in Glasgow, with a few thugs who decided to take it to the next unnecessary level, as I suspect is whats happening there now.... I personally know 4 people who went to the first demo .  Four decent locals who just wanted to be heard and show where they stood.       They did not go with any intention of causing bother in any way. My heart goes out to anyone caught up in any violent acts............  Sometimes when its all over, for some it isn't.

[Dutchie]

Apollo, what would you do if you and your family, community and race of people  had been oppressed for years living in sub standard housing and general poverty, virtually no infrastructure such as health care and ability to earn a living and your children denied an education.

Sorry but I don't agree with you Nichola. The picture you paint is rather "one sided".
Yes, a lot is/was wrong in the east but don't forget the PKK. They were a big part of it.
They have killed hundreds of teachers over the years and have burnt down many schools.
They were the ones denying their own children education.

[nichola]

The protest was against an organisation which has no qualms regarding the use of terrorism. Kurds or Kurdish businesses were not targeted during the protests. The protesters wrath was visited on a two sympathetic businesse on in Taşyaka and the other in Günlükbaşı.

I am not sure what point you are trying to make but I think you will find that the Oz bakery in Taşyaka is owned by a Kurd. And the HDP is a legitimate party that is trying to get the views of the Kurdish people represented in legitimate decision making bodies. What evidence do you have that the HDP supports the use of violence?

Apollo, what would you do if you and your family, community and race of people  had been oppressed for years living in sub standard housing and general poverty, virtually no infrastructure such as health care and ability to earn a living and your children denied an education.

Sorry but I don't agree with you Nichola. The picture you paint is rather "one sided".
Yes, a lot is/was wrong in the east but don't forget the PKK. They were a big part of it.
They have killed hundreds of teachers over the years and have burnt down many schools.
They were the ones denying their own children education.

I haven't forgotten the PKK but things are changing. There has been no deaths in the past year a sign that there have been efforts made and successes gained on both sides to move things forward positively in the east of Turkey.

There is no excuse for the racism and the orchestrated and premeditated violence that we saw a few days ago.

[Dutchie]

Of course there is no excuse and in my opinion it has been very cleverly organised by the AKP. How else could the police have a list of places where riots were going to take place?
In the end, AKP are the ones who will benefit from it. Any Kurdish voter that might have voted for Saatci, is bound to change his mind after the recent violence. How convenient is that for AKP.

[nichola]

That's interesting! In Fethiye it wasn't the AKP in attendance at this meeting it was the Mayor, giving speeches all day long and as I understand it he was the one that instructed the HDP sign to be removed. Why?