Protests Erupt in Turkey Over Atrocities Against Alawites in Syria
Protests in Adana and Hatay, Turkey, originated from escalating violence against Alawites in Syria’s Latakia by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Key figures criticized the Turkish government’s support of violent groups and issued a call for accountability and peace, emphasizing the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis facing Alevis.
Protests erupted in Turkey’s Adana and Hatay provinces, condemning attacks on Alawites in Syria’s Latakia by groups led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Speakers criticized the Turkish government’s silence and alleged support of violent factions in Syria, declaring the actions a crime against humanity. The demonstrations were organized by Alevi organizations on March 8, indicating a strong response to escalating violence against Alevis.
At a protest in front of the Salman-ı Pak Cultural Center in Adana, Hamit Karaoğullarından, president of the Arab People’s Alevi Solidarity Association, expressed outrage, stating, “Damn those who try to exterminate us.” The Adana Alevi Platform’s spokesperson, Hüseyin İncesu, condemned the policies affecting Syria, questioning the morality of those complicit in the systematic targeting of Alevis.
Yakup Ataş, a notable figure from the Adana Labor and Democracy Forces, emphasized the need for international and Turkish intervention, criticizing Turkey’s Foreign Ministry for supporting the Syrian administration despite ongoing atrocities. He called for an urgent cessation of violence and a commitment to peaceful coexistence among all identities in Syria.
Helin Kaya from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, alongside notable opposition lawmakers including Ayhan Barut and Nermin Kara, demanded that the government take responsibility for the violence against Alawites. They characterized the situation as a humanitarian disaster that necessitates swift action to prevent further bloodshed.
In Hatay’s Samandağ district, local officials echoed concerns voiced during the protests, asserting that the Syrian regime change had led to severe repercussions for Alawites. Emrah Karaçay, the Samandağ Mayor, labeled the atrocities as genocidal, criticizing global inaction in the face of such violence.
The collective protests reflect significant displeasure towards Turkey’s current foreign policy and its perceived negligence regarding human rights violations against the Alevi community in Syria.
Recent protests in southeastern Turkey highlight growing outrage over violence against Alawites in Syria, driven by groups like HTS. Demonstrators, including local leaders and lawmakers, condemned both Turkish governmental policies and international silence regarding these humanitarian crises. The calls for immediate action underline the urgent need for accountability and support for the rights of marginalized communities in conflict zones like Syria.
Original Source: www.duvarenglish.com
