by Bill Bonnar
The Scottish Socialist Party unequivocally condemns the massacre of members of the left wing Peoples‘ Democratic Party (HDP) and others in Ankara on Saturday. Who the perpetrators of this attack where is open to speculation although the timing; ahead of the national election on November 1st, is no co-incidence. The bombing was the work of suicide bombers no doubt loyal to Daesh in Syria.
The Peoples’ Democratic Party’s main support is among the Kurdish community in Turkey and Kurdish fighters have been battling the Islamic fundamentalist movement Daesh in Syria. But who was behind the suicide bombers? No doubt suspicious fingers will be pointed at extreme right wing forces aiming to stir up tensions ahead of elections. There have already been a number of terrorist incidents linked to such groups in recent times. Or perhaps state forces. Turkey has a long track record of the links between state security forces and right wing death squads which targeted left wing and Kurdish movements. No doubt the Turkish government will conduct a thorough and transparent investigation.
In the meantime our thoughts and solidarity goes out to those who were killed and injured on Saturday and to the Peoples’ Democratic Party.
Bill Bonnar is the National Secretary of the Scottish Socialist Party. He is also the chair of our International Committee.