HDP slams police over harsh treatment of group during curfew controls in Istanbul

Three HDP deputies have slammed police over lining 13 people facing a wall for violating the curfew imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. "This is governing without a constitution and law. This is the ordinary fascism of the Presidential Palace's state, in which the people's wills are crushed daily," lawmaker Serpil Kemalbay said, while another deputy, Murat Sarısaç asked, "Are you apprehending prisoners of war?"

Duvar English

A number of deputies from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) have slammed police over their harsh treatment of a group during curfew controls in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district.

Footage showed 13 people being lined up facing a wall on the street for violating the curfew imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

"This is governing without a constitution and law. This is the ordinary fascism of the Presidential Palace's state, in which the people's wills are crushed daily," lawmaker Serpil Kemalbay said.

Another deputy, Murat Sarısaç asked, "Are you apprehending prisoners of war?"

"Is it that difficult to implement the penalties given to you in the law? Do you find it this insufficient?" he said.

Deputy Murat Çepni pointed to the fact that workers are forced to work despite the pandemic because of the government.

"This is the inhumane treatment of the government, which makes workers continue working despite the coronavirus. Both fining and coup practices!" Çepni said.

The group in question was fined 3,150 Turkish Liras.