Strasbourg, 16/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - On 13 January, the Socialists and Democrats Group at the European Parliament called for “reform of the provisions in the Turkish anti-terrorism law and in the criminal law system, which, coupled with restrictive and often politicised attitudes expressed by judges and prosecutors, leads to persistent breaches of the freedom of expression in Turkey”. This demand is linked to their serious concern about the Turkish legal system's decision to launch an inquiry against Kemal Kilicdarolu, the leader of the main opposition party, the Republican People's Party (CHP). Kilicdarolu is accused of “attempting to influence a fair trial” and “insulting officials in their work” due to ideas expressed during a visit to two CHP MPs, on remand for a number of years as suspects in the Ergenekon affair, a suspected Turkish criminal network.
The deputy leader of the S&D Group, Hannes Swoboda, said: “We see this move as part of an ongoing crackdown on people engaged in legal political activity in Turkey.” The MEP pointed out that over the past few years, journalists who are critical of the government, as well as people associated with the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) and the Union of Kurdistan Communities “have been arrested and charged with alleged links to terrorist organisations”. He added: “The justified fight against military interference in domestic affairs must not be misused for political purposes.” (CG/transl.fl)