Demirtaş: Thank God, I Didn't End Up Outside

Click to read the article in Turkish

Former Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş, who has been behind bars since November 4, 2016, has commented on the recent developments in the country on Twitter.

On the verdict of release pronounced by the European Court of the Human Rights (ECtHR) regarding his arrest on November 20, Demirtaş jokingly said, "God forbid, I would almost end up outside."

ECtHR gave its verdict on appeal of Demirtaş against his arrest, ruling that "all necessary measures shall be adopted to put an end to his pre-trial detention". Days after the ruling, a court of appeal in Turkey upheld the 56-month prison sentence given to Demirtaş in another case.

CLICK - Prison Sentences of Demirtaş and Önder Upheld

The politician also called the youth and the women to apply for nomination for municipalities. On March 31, municipal elections will be held in Turkey.

Demirtaş also reminded that he will be present in the hearing of the case he has been tried, which is going to be held tomorrow (December 12).

'They came to prison to cheer up'

Some of the messages he shared on Twitter are as follows:

* Hello friends, how are you? Of course, I'm not asking just for the sake of conversation. Really, how are you? Nowadays, I hear the answer "How can we be good? Everything is getting worse and worse everyday" very often.

*Recently, two lawyers, whom I don't know, came to visit me. They said, "We are bored as hell. We came here to cheer up a bit. I asked, "To Edirne?" They replied, "No, to Edirne prison".

*"So, situation is that bad outside?" I asked. "You know..." they said. Then I said, "So what about staying here? I can arrange two little cells for you." You should see how delighted they were. But, of course, I was joking. How can I arrange a place in the prison when there is none?

'Going to prison is very hard even for MPs'

*Even as MPs, we worked very hard to make into the prison. The other day, we got a notification from the ECtHR, saying "Immediately evacuate there". Thankfully the government intervened and prevented the evacuation. God forbid, I would almost end up outside.

*And then the justice of the palace quickly arranged a timeshare deed for us. We guaranteed our space here even if it is for four years and eight months. This is "every person for themselves" times. You don't do anything to get in, then don't moan "Why don't they put us in?"

'Don't be pessimistic, new prisons will be built'

*But don't be so pessimistic. I heard 228 new prisons will be built until 2023. I hope everyone of you get in somehow. Even if you don't get in, don't lose your hope, we have municipal elections ahead. Vote for AKP, you will be definitely inside.

*I call women and youth to apply for nominations for mayoralties and municipal councils to build democracy from the local. Be confident of yourself, show moral courage, don't think "Nobody will give us a mission."

*By the way, I will be at the hearing in Sincan, Ankara on December 12. My mail address is same; Edirne Type-F Prison. (EKN/VK)