JINHA

ISTANBUL- Numerous intellectuals, writers, artists and academics started a petition with the motto, "Coup divides, democracy unites" after Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) have been targeted by the AKP government following the recent attempted coup. Şebnem Korur Fincancı, Nurcan Baysal and Jülide Kural those who signed the campaign said, "Our most essential need is to have peace and to take joint action," for real democracy.

Following the attempted coup on July 15, four parties in Turkey announced they were against the coup under the roof of the Parliament. However, the HDP wasn't invited to the meeting held on July 25 in the palace with the participation of the CHP (Republican People's Party) AKP (Justice and Development Party) and MHP (Nationalist Movement Party) and the HDP has been singled out as a target after the rally held by these parties. More than 100 intellectuals, writers, artists and academics started a petition with the motto, "Coup divides, democracy unites".

Dr. Sebnem Korur Fincancı, President of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey, spoke to JINHA about the campaign. Reminding us that the notion of democracy has been used particularly after the coup attempt, she underlined that the ruling power has emptied the notion of democracy. "People demand the reinstatement of the death penalty in areas where calls for democracy have been announced and government authorities promise the fulfillment of this request. In this way the notion of democracy has been emptied." Şebnem stated that all four parties stood up against the coup attempt. "We want to live in peace and democracy," said Şebnem.

Writer Nurcan Baysal, meanwhile, reminded us that democracy means "pluralism" and said, "Exclusion of the HDP and using nationalist rhetoric are causes for concern. If we want a democratic country, no one should separate. That's why I signed this campaign."

Actress Jülide Kural pointed out that she expected equality, democracy and liberty after the failed coup attempt; however, her expectations didn't come to true. Jülide said, "We experienced a blow after the coup attempt. President Erdoğan and his ruling party are engaged in non-democratic practices. People have been dismissed, people have died each day. If democracy is demanded, first the Kurdish problem should be solved. Not calling the HDP to meetings and rallies is big mistake. This campaign is a call to society. We need peace and to take joint action."

(tm/rt/sy/gd)