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The preliminary defense statement of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) as part of the case seeking its closure has been sent to the Court of Cassation by the Constitutional Court, the top court hearing the case.
After examining the 173-page preliminary defense statement of the HDP, Chief Public Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation Bekir Şahin will pronounce his opinion as to the accusations within a month.
CLICK - Constitutional Court accepts indictment seeking HDP's closure
The first indictment to close the HDP was returned by the Constitutional Court to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office of the Court of Cassation on the anniversary of the last local elections on March 31. The reason for returning the indictment was that "it did not have legal characteristics."
With minor changes, the second indictment seeking the closure of the party was submitted to the top court on June 7 and having examined the indictment in the light of a report prepared by the rapporteur of the case, the Constitutional Court accepted the second indictment on June 21.
How will the process proceed?
After the HDP presents its preliminary defense, Court of Cassation's Chief Public Prosecutor Bekir Şahin is asked his opinion as to the accusations. This opinion will also be sent to the HDP. Then, at dates to be specified by the Constitutional Court, prosecutor Bekir Şahin will make a verbal statement and HDP officials will make a verbal defense.
Following this process, the rapporteur, who will collect information and documents about the case, will prepare a report on the merits. While this process is ongoing, the Chief Prosecutor's Office of the Court of Cassation and HDP can submit additional evidence or defense.
After the report is handed out to the Constitutional Court members, Court President Zühtü Arslan will set a date for the meeting and, on the specified day, the members will start examining the case as to the merits.
A two-thirds majority, or votes of the 10 of 15 Constitutional Court members, are needed to close the party because of the reasons cited in article 69 of the Constitution or impose other sanctions on the party such as partially or completely depriving it of public aid. (RT/SD)
