The 3 years and 9 months imprisonment sentence given to Wan (Van) Metropolitan Municipality Co-mayor Abdullah Zeydan was met with great reaction in the city. People started a vigil in front of the municipality after the verdict. The vigil in front of the municipality continued until the morning despite the cold. At night, fires were lit in front of the municipality building and a halay was organised around it for hours. Young people lit up the night with fireworks.

 

Many MPs and co-mayors also participated in the vigil. Doğan Hatun, Co-Mayor of Amed (Diyarbakır) Metropolitan Municipality, Birsen Orhan, Co-Mayor of Dêrsim (Tunceli) Municipality who was replaced by a trustee, and Siraç Çelik, Co-President of Southeastern Anatolian Municipalities Union (GABB) were among the names who participated in the vigil.

 

'NO ONE CAN STAND AGAINST OUR WILL'

 

Amed Metropolitan Municipality Co-mayor Doğan Hatun said, "The people of Wan are reclaiming their will and standing by their will. No one can stand against your stance. Just as you taught them a historic lesson in the 31 March local elections, you will teach them today. Just as the Kurdish people have defended their will, land and culture, they will do what is necessary today. Kurdish people will protect their rights and will everywhere."

 

RESISTANCE SPREAD TO NEIGHBOURHOODS

 

 

 

While the watch demonstration continued, young people also protested in Demiryolu neighbourhood of Rêya Armûşe (İpekyolu) district. Young people set up a barricade in the neighbourhood and protested the decision. The youth responded the police attack with fireworks, stones and Molotov cocktails. The resistance against the verdict spread to other neighbourhoods.