On Thursday 21 January, the European Parliament called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Turkish HDP politician Selahattin Demirtaş and the dropping of all charges against him, by adopting a joint resolution from the The Left, Greens/EFA, ECR, Renew Europe, S&D and EPP groups (590 votes in favour, 16 against and 75 abstentions).
“The unlawful extension of Mr Demirtas’ detention for more than 4 years [is] a cruel and politically motivated punishment that is causing irreparable personal and political damage to him”, MEPs said, calling on Turkey to refrain from any further intimidation against him and to guarantee his fundamental rights.
More generally, the Parliament considers that the Turkish authorities should allow members of the opposition HDP party to exercise their democratic mandates independently and without threats or hindrance.
MEPs also call on the Turkish government to ensure that all individuals have the right to due process and that their cases are examined by a fully independent and functioning judiciary in accordance with international standards.
They also highlight their great concern about the shrinking space for civil society expression and the continued deterioration of fundamental rights and freedoms and the rule of law in Turkey.
See the joint resolution: http://bit.ly/2Y2VQM9 (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)