Newroz clashes (2023)

The Newroz clashes were clashes between Kurdish nationalists and leftists during 2023 Newroz festivals in Turkey.

Newroz clashes
Date March 21, 2023 Location Diyarbakır, Turkey Result Crowds dispersed
Belligerents
Kurdish nationalists Neo-Nazis KDP supporters HAKPAR supporters Amedspor hooligans	PKK supporters HDP supporters TİP supporters LGBT community İHD

History

The attacks were initiated by a Kurdish Neo-Nazi group known as "Kurdên Nasyonalist", who published a statement before Newroz calling for all Kurdish nationalists to attack Kurdish leftists and the LGBT community and its supporters, who are known to rally at Newroz celebrations. The nationalists specifically threatened the "Kemalist left", and referred to them as "parasites" and said that "if a single Kurd's nail is bent, all of the nationalists will land on your head." They also said that anyone who loves Mustafa Kemal Atatürk will be attacked if they come to the celebrations.

During Newroz in Diyarbakır, a group of Kurdish nationalists approached a group of people who carried LGBT signs and flags, and physically attacked them. A member of the nationalists emphasised that the leftist Turks will be attacked too, telling his group that "if you see flags of the TİP and LGBT, which have nothing to do with Newroz or Kurdishness, you can use them to ignite the fire of Newroz." The nationalists attacked members of the Human Rights Association (İHD) and the TİP when they tried to calm the brawls down. Many of the leftists and LGBT supporters were brutally beaten. Criminal complaints were also filed against the nationalists. A victim of the attacks claimed that they were harassed and followed around before the beatings and were told "what is this flag?" and "there is no place for you in Kurdistan". The nationalists, many of whom were described as Barzani and KDP supporters, also planned to shoot the LGBT sympathisers and leftists, who instantly fled. PKK supporters were present, chanting "long live Apo" before also being attacked by nationalists. Many of the nationalists were armed with knives. LGBT sympathisers were attacked at another celebration by Amedspor hooligans and HAKPAR supporters. After Newroz, the nationalists boasted about the attacks and posted provocative statements, while the LGBT community vowed that they would continue appearing at Newroz celebrations.

The TİP called on its supporters to not generalise all Kurds because of the attacks, and stated that they will continue supporting Kurds and were not intimidated by the Kurdish nationalists.