HDP expels MP Tuma Çelik over sexual assault allegations

Tuma Çelik (File photo)

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The Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has announced that it expelled MP Tuma Çelik, who is accused of sexual assault on a woman.

Çelik stated on Saturday (July 18) that he resigned from the party, claiming that a woman was "defaming and blackmailing him."

Despite Çelik's resignation, the party continued the disciplinary investigation against him in accordance with its internal regulation and decided to suspend him as a precaution until the end of the investigation on July 5, the party's deputy parliamentary group chair Saruhan Oluç said today (July 20).

The summary of proceedings for the dismissal of Çelik as an MP was also conveyed to their party, Oluç noted.

"In the last few days, there have been very serious accusations against us in the media, especially in the pro-government media. Male violence against women and crimes against women are actually social issues and occur in politicial parties from time to time, as well as in society.

"It was the first time that the HDP faced such a situation since it was founded ... The HDP as a whole and the HDP Women's Assembly in particular never compromise regarding the crimes committed against women, they don't show the slightest hesitation. They immediately take the necessary stance against the smallest crime against women."

Oluç also noted that the intra-party investigation against MP Mensur Işık, who is also accused of inflicting violence on his spouse, was underway. (AÖ/VK)