AKP candidate & Al Nusra gunmen attack BDP supporters in Ceylanpınar

ANF – Ceylanpınar 02.04.2014 –  While protests continue at electoral fraud in the district of Ceylanpınar in Urfa province, the district centre is under a virtual blockade by police and troops. Two days after the BDP made an official complaint about irregularities leading to the AKP being declared the winners of the elections, it has been alleged that the AKP mayoral candidate Menderes Atilla has carried out an armed attack on BDP supporters with a gang of 150 Al Nusra members.

It is reported that there have been many arrests after two days of popular resistance, during which buildings have been damaged and the police fired gas canisters and plastic bullets. Barricades and burnt tyres are visible in the streets.AKP candidate Menderes Atilla is reported to have attacked people protesting outside the AKP office and marched to the BDP office with a gang of Al Nusra members, who are using the town as a base for attacks on Kurds in Rojava. It was striking that while the BDP did not allow themselves to be drawn into a provocation, the police turned a blind eye to the armed Al Nusra operatives.

BDP office blockaded

From early this morning military units and police have blockaded the streets of Ceylanpınar and are carrying out identity checks. The BDP is expected to issue a press statement at noon today.

In Viranşehir recount continues

In the neighbouring district of Viranşehir there is a recount after the AKP made a complaint. Thousands of people protesting outside the courthouse where the recount is taking place have left the scene at the request of BDP MPs. Police attacks on the crowd concluded with the burning of the AKP district office. Despite the AKP’s demand for a recount, every ballot box recounted has increased the BDP’s winning margin. In both districts there is palpable tension.