ADN condemns the attack on the peaceful demonstrations in Ankara, Turkey
The Asia Democracy Network (ADN) strongly condemns the bombings that killed and injured those who rallied peacefully in Ankara, Turkey on Saturday, October 10 and urge for the perpetrators’ to be brought to justice. The freedom of peaceful assembly and association is one of the basic principles of democracy and we are shocked to witness the people of Turkey being attacked while exercising their rights. The deadly bombings took place in amidst of the rally organized by several trade unions as well as civil society organizations who demonstrated peacefully to demand an end to the violence between Kurdish rebels and Turkish security forces.
We deplore the fact that the right to peaceful assembly was severely violated during the peaceful rally in Turkey. As advocates of democracy and free civic space, we express our concern over the political and ethnic divisions fueled by the blasts against the rally ahead of the general election on November 1st this year.
We call on the government of Turkey to take all necessary measures and conduct a thorough investigation into this crime and hold its perpetrators accountable as well as uphold democratic principles of providing a safe space for assembly and association. The government of Turkey should ensure there is no such place for the impunity in this case. The leaders of Turkey are called upon to come together to take a stance against violence and ensure free and fair elections.
We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased during the peaceful rally.
