HDP MP Maçin suspended from Parliamentary sessions over ‘Kurdistan’ remarks

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Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Urfa MP Nusrettin Maçin took the floor during the budget talks at the General Assembly of the Parliament yesterday (December 8) and said, "We will build the future. We will ensure fraternity and unity of peoples in building new Turkey. We will come to power in Turkey with the motto 'Democracy and peace to Turkey, freedom to Kurdistan'."

Ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Parliamentary Group Deputy Chair Mustafa Elitaş protested these remarks, saying, "He is saying, 'Freedom to Kurdistan'. He is trying to divide the state of the Republic of Turkey. Will you intervene? It needs to be omitted from the minutes."

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Presiding the session, Parliamentary Deputy Speaker Süreyya Sadi Bilgiç said that he did not hear Maçin's words and he would ask for the minutes for this reason. Examining the minutes, Bilgiç took it to the vote of the General Assembly to omit the remarks "Freedom to Kurdistan" from the minutes and to suspend Maçin from three sessions for violating the bylaw.

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As the proposal was approved by the Parliament, Maçin was invited to leave the General Assembly hall. He will be unable to attend the next three General Assembly sessions (on Thursday, Friday and Saturday). (KÖ/SD)