Mob attacks CHP women branch distributing leaflets for Kılıçdaroğlu’s campaign
A mob on May 19 attacked the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Women's Branch members distributing leaflets for Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu’s campaign in Kütahya province for the second round of Turkey’s presidential elections.
Duvar English
The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Kütahya Provincial Chair Zeliha Aksaz Şahbaz on May 19 stated that CHP Women's Branch members who were distributing brochures for the second round of the presidential election were verbally and physically attacked by a group in a market in Kütahya province.
Aksaz stated that when they made a press statement condemning the attack, they were also subjected to a lynch attempt by market vendors.
She said, “These are attacks against democracy, constitutional order, and humanity. The hands raised against women are raised against humanity. We condemn these attacks, which may have much more serious consequences.” She added that those provoking society by associating them with terrorism are the real perpetrators of this incident.
The ruling People’s Alliance and President Recep Erdoğan have been accusing the opposition of “collaborating with the terrorist organizations” in order to gain more votes in the elections. He even circulated a montage video depicting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) singing the CHP’s election song.
Aksaz also mentioned that even their party members who are 70-year-old women were beaten by the mob.
CHP’s Kütahya MP Ali Fazıl Kasap stated on his social media account that they filed a criminal complaint against the perpetrators and said, "This order will change on May 28."
The second round of the presidential elections will be held on May 28 between Erdoğan who garnered 49,52 percent in the first round and Kılıçdaroğlu who received 44,88.