Demirtaş to be Given 'Award for Political Courage'

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The Progressive Alliance, a Germany-based political entity that includes more than 130 parties and organizations, will give the "2019 Award for Special Political Courage" to Selahattin Demirtaş, the former co-chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), who has been behind bars since November 2016.

HDP Foreign Relations Officer Hişyar Özsoy told bianet that the award will be presented in an event in Stockholm on November 15.

Özsoy also spoke about the hearing of Demirtaş at the ECtHR Grand Chamber on September 18, "The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights involved in the hearing as the third party and pleaded a strong defense for Demirtaş. There is big support from different places. But the AKP-MHP alliance closed itself for all criticism from outside and for practices that need to be done. And this hurts not only the image of the government but also the image of Turkey abroad."

What is the Progressive Alliance?

The Progressive Alliance was found on May 22, 2013, in Leipzig, Germany. It has over 130 members around the world. The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the HDP are members of the alliance from Turkey.

According to its website, the Progressive Alliance aims to ensure gender equality counter increased inequality in societies, fight for LGBTIQ rights and against intolerance and racism, restrain rampant unruly financial markets with clear regulations and fight tax fraud, curb climate change with the urgency required and promote sustainable economic, social and ecological development, secure peace and human rights as global public goods, advocate disarmament and stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and eradicate hunger and poverty once and for all.

Demirtaş arrested twice because of the same lawsuit

Demirtaş was expected to be released after the 26th Heavy Penal Court ruled for "deduction" but Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office requested the arrest of Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ, the HDP's former co-chair with Demirtaş. Ankara 1st Penal Court of Peace ruled for the arrest of the two politicians. (RT/VK)