Protesters in Turkey’s Adana and Hatay provinces express outrage over attacks on Alawites in Syria by HTS. They criticize the Turkish government for its silence and support of the perpetrators, branding the violence a crime against humanity. Community leaders demand accountability and an immediate cessation of the violence to foster peace among diverse groups in Syria.
In southeastern Turkey, protesters gathered in Adana and Hatay provinces to denounce the recent assaults on Alawites in Syria’s Latakia, perpetrated by groups including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Demonstrators decried Turkey’s silence and support for armed factions in the region, labeling the violence a crime against humanity.
On March 8, Alevi organizations staged protests in response to the attacks, with Hamit Karaoğullarından, president of the Arab People’s Alevi Solidarity Association, expressing outrage, stating, “Damn those who try to exterminate us.” He emphasized the need for justice for affected communities.
Hüseyin İncesu, spokesperson for the Adana Alevi Platform, condemned the military aid given to groups conducting violence against Alevis, raising questions about the accountability of those complicit. He inquired, “Has the systematic Alevi massacre reached the point you wanted? Is your conscience clear?”
Yakup Ataş, from the Adana Labor and Democracy Forces and president of the Adana Human Rights Association, pointed out the complicity of the international community and urged Turkey to firmly address the situation. He remarked, “You cannot stand with both the Syrian people and the administration. Today, the Syrian administration is massacring Alevis.”
Helin Kaya, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party in Adana, characterized the happenings in Syria as inhumane, advocating for resistance against the atrocities. Additionally, Ayhan Barut, an opposition lawmaker, and Orhan Sümer, another lawmaker, called upon the government to halt the violence against the Alevi community.
Nermin Kara, a lawmaker from Hatay, criticized the government’s support of factions in Syria, noting that the situation has escalated dangerously. She quoted Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who described the situation as mere “tensions,” emphasizing the seriousness of ongoing atrocities.
Samandağ’s Mayor Emrah Karaçay pointed out the plight of the Alevi population, indicating that their initial hopes for regime change have led to dire circumstances. He raised alarms about the genocidal trajectory of these massacres, asserting, “Civilians are being slaughtered before the eyes of the entire world, without concern for anyone. We do not accept these massacres.”
The protests in southeastern Turkey highlight the strong condemnation among communities regarding the attacks on Alawites in Syria, emphasizing the need for accountability from both the Turkish government and international actors. The leaders and protestors expressed a unified call for an end to violence and for the establishment of peace among diverse identities in Syria. There exists a palpable call for action to prevent further bloodshed and to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: www.duvarenglish.com
