Parliamentary Inquiry by HDP Regarding ECtHR Ruling on Selahattin Demirtaş

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Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Group Deputy Chairpersons Fatma Kurtulan and Ayhan Bilgen have submitted a parliamentary inquiry regarding the implementation of the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on HDP's imprisoned former Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş in accordance with legal standards.

In the inquiry, it has been emphasized that in contrast with the statements of President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu about the ruling, "the judgements of the ECtHR are directly binding for all countries that are party to the European Convention on Human Rights."

CLICK - ECtHR: Selahattin Demirtaş Should Be Released

The ECtHR announced its judgement on Selahattin Demirtaş on November 20, 2018. The court ruled that all necessary measures shall be adopted to put an end to the pre-trial detention of Demirtaş, who has been behind bars since November 4, 2016. The court also emphasized that its ruling is binding for Turkey as per the Article 46 of the Convention.

"His freedom and right to a free election violated"

In the parliamentary inquiry, the HDP has referred to the judgement of the ECtHR, which ruled that "the personal security and freedom of Selahattin Demirtaş as well as his right to a free election have been violated."

The inquiry has also emphasized the ruling of the ECtHR, which stated that the detention of Demirtaş "pursued the predominant ulterior purpose of stifling pluralism and limiting the freedom of political debate".

"ECtHR ruling sets a precedent"

In the parliamentary inquiry, it has also been stated:

"In the judgement of the court, it has been demanded that the requirements of universal law be met by releasing Demirtaş immediately.

"The ruling of the ECtHR sets a precedent for all arrested journalists and elected politicians as well as the people who have been imprisoned as part of freedom of thought and expression."

"Demirtaş and all other elected politicians should be released immediately and the requirements of universal law should be fulfilled." (AS/SD)