HDP MP Submits Law Proposal for Reinstatement of Academics for Peace

Click to read the article in Turkish

Peoples' Democratic Party MP Dr. Mahmut Toğrul has submitted a law proposal to the Speaker's Office at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) for the return of the signatories of the Peace Declaration to their posts.

Mentioning the Constitutional Court ruling that said the rights of the academics were violated, Toğrul requested the academics should be removed from the Statutory Decree lists.

He also emphasized that their freedom of travel should be ensured and financial grievances should be removed.

Toğrul said the following in the proposal:

"Article 153 of the Constitution emphasizes that the decisions of the Constitutional Court are final, immediately published in the Official Gazette and binding on legislative, executive and judicial bodies, administrative authorities and real and legal persons. In spite of the time elapsed after the decision, requirements of Article 153 of the Constitution are not done and the government carefully avoided to bring this issue to its agenda.

"Since the execution of the relevant decision of the Constitutional Court is delayed by the executive body, we have to take action to make the decision of the Constitutional Court implemented due to our constitutional responsibility as the legislative body. "

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Group Deputy Chair Özgür Özel also submitted a proposal for the academics on September 11.

The Constitutional Court on July 26 ruled that the penalization of Academics for Peace on the charge of "propagandizing for a terrorist organization" violated their freedom of expression. (TP/VK)