ANKARA
Two suspects have been detained after two members of Islamist and pro-Kurdish Free Cause Party (Huda-Par) were killed Friday in Turkey’s southeastern Sirnak province, local officials have said.
The deaths occurred after Huda-Par members had an altercation in Sirnak’s Kozluca village with supporters of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), which also has a broad base among Kurdish voters.
Sirnak Governor’s Office has issued a written statement, saying two people thought to be HDP members opened fire on two Huda-Par supporters, who later died at hospital.
A gun has been recovered at the scene and an investigation by the public prosecutor is under way, the statement added.
Tensions remain high in Kozluca village, with gendarmerie forces deployed and entry into the village restricted.
Witnesses had told Anadolu Agency the fight broke out after HDP members came to Kozluca to hang party flags, which Huda-Par members opposed.
In the brawl that ensued, gunshots were reported from a group of HDP members at the scene, critically injuring Muhammed Serif Simsek (34) and Abdulcelil Talayhan (38). Both died later at a hospital in neighboring Mardin province.
The deadly incident comes as Turkey gears up for the general election on June 7.
Approximately 56 million Turkish citizens are eligible to vote in the country's 25th parliamentary election to choose 550 lawmakers.
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