‘You met Turkey’s President who didn’t implement ECtHR judgements’

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Başak Demirtaş, the wife of imprisoned former Co-Chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party Selahattin Demirtaş, has addressed a brief message to European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) President Robert Spano, who met government officials in his official visit to Turkey on September 3-4.

On her social media message, Demirtaş said, "You met Turkey's President who did not implement the judgements your Court delivered and other government officials." She also called on Spano to "learn their position."

Visiting Turkey upon the invitation of Turkey's Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gül, ECtHR President Robert Spano met President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the capital city of Ankara on September 3. One day later in İstanbul, he received an honorary doctorate from the İstanbul University amid criticisms. He also came together with AKP executives and had their pictures taken.

CLICK - ECtHR President Robert Spano in Turkey: Emphasis on 'judicial independence'

'You met Mardin trustee, AKP Mardin Chair'

Başak Demirtaş made the following call to Spano:

"Dear Judge Spano, President of the European Court of Human Rights, you met Turkey's President who did not implement the judgements your Court delivered and other government officials. Finally you met the trustee of Mardin Municipality and AKP Chair of Mardin.

"Mardin is neighbor to Diyarbakır. If you were our guest in Diyarbakır, I would be glad to inform you about the cases of politicians from the opposition party HDP - including my husband Selahattin Demirtaş's - pending before the European Court of Human Rights.

"I have no doubt that you have had a chance to learn the position of the government from the authorities you have met. If you can spend an hour with me, it will be enough to inform you about our position. I would be glad to offer you Diyarbakır's hospitality. Best regards, Başak Demirtaş."

I invite Mr. Spano, President of the ECtHR, who met the Turkish President and government officials, to visit Diyarbakır. @echr_cedh pic.twitter.com/VW8BNvaHRv

— Başak Demirtaş (@Basak__Demirtas) September 6, 2020

(AS/SD)