HDP Denounces Prison Sentences Given to Demirtaş, Önder

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Top figures from the People's Democratic Party (HDP) have made comments after the prison sentences given to the party's former Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş and former Ankara MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder have been upheld.

HDP Co-Chair Sezai Temelli said, "Injustice spreads everywhere in this country. We are facing injustice again" in a press statement in Hatay province.

The party's Spokesperson Saruhan Oluç stated, "Erdoğan said, 'We make our move, get the job done'. And this is the move", reminding President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's words on a ruling by ECtHR, which urges Turkey to release Demirtaş from arrest.

Before ECtHR verdict comes into force, authorities in Turkey sentenced Demirtaş to prison for a different case. Demirtaş is now in prison as a convict, not an arrestee. Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who has been on trial in the same case, went to prison today (December 6)

CLICK - Sırrı Süreyya Önder in Prison

'Judges should wear AKP badges'

Temelli, criticizing the judiciary because of the rulings, said, "This trial process in itself shows what kind of injustice this country has found itself in. Judiciary itself disregarded the law, violated existing legislation. The court committed a crime.

"This is not punishment, this is vengeance. This is the violence of the government against those who defend democracy and peace. The government made the courts its accomplices. Judges now must put AKP (Justice and Development Party) badges on their gowns. From now on, they are campaign runners, employees of a political party."

HDP Spokesperson Saruhan Oluç also said, "Demirtaş was sentenced unjustly. He wasn't released despite the ECtHR ruling. What happened shows that the judiciary is working in a chain of command relationship with the government. Both district and superior courts gave their verdicts in accordance with the orders from the palace." (AS/VK)