Erdogan called out to the citizens of Sakarya, reacting to the attack on IHH officers after an iftar dinner in the Artvin district of Hopa. In talking about the vicious attacks, he said that “This is a cowardly attack on a humanitarian organisation and the CHP and HDP are applauding this action. Do these vandals have any idea of what this organisation is about? This organisation is in Gaza, Myanmar, Iraq, Somalia and has reached out to those in need and they have been brutally attacked”.

Reminding the crowd that he too was attacked in Hopa, Erdogan said, “You know that my vehicle was attacked and that my security guard was hospitalized. These people want results through violence. The CHP, MHP and HDP have the same mindset. They are seeking vindication through attacking a humanitarian organisation. What will CHP say who take advantage of religious sentiments? What will they say to the parliamentarians that they boast of. We are not leaving Turkey to vandals. The masks have fallen off in Hopa. My countrymen will give them the answer they deserve at the ballot box. We have built Turkey for the past 12 years through your support”.