TİP to march from Hatay to Ankara

Workers Party of Turkey (TİP) Chairperson Erkan Baş announced that they will march from Hatay to Ankara following the announcement yesterday evening (September 28) of the decision by the Court of Cassation on the Gezi trial. 

In its decision the Court of Cassation's 3rd Criminal Chamber upheld the sentences of Osman Kavala, Can Atalay, Tayfun Kahraman, Mine Özerden, and Çiğdem Mater, while it overturned the sentences of Mücella Yapıcı, Yiğit Ali Ekmekçi, and Hakan Altınay.

TİP stated that with this decision, the Court of Cassation openly recognized the Gezi Resistance as a criminal element, taking a stance against the people.

"Not only that, but by approving the sentence of Can Atalay, who was elected as a member of parliament by the earthquake-stricken people of Hatay, they violated the right to vote and be elected, and furthermore, they insulted earthquake victims greatly. They left the blood of those who lost their lives in the earthquake on the ground and told those who survived under the rubble, 'Your problems don't deserve to be raised in Parliament,'" the political party said.

March from Hatay to Ankara

TİP Chairperson Erkan Baş, in a statement following yesterday's decision, announced that they will march from Hatay to Ankara:

"I do not accept the judicial coup against the freedom of our working people, represented by all Gezi prisoners whose prison sentences have been upheld, especially our Hatay deputy Can Atalay.

On October 1, I will take my first step from Hatay towards Ankara for freedom. I know I am not alone, we are not alone. The palace will also learn!"

Erkan Baş had previously announced that they would march to Ankara on October 1, the date when the Parliament opens, if Atalay is not released.(AS/PE)