The pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) has denied claims that its co-chair Nurettin Demirtas has gone abroad in order to avoid arrest. The party said that these were "untrue news aimed at manipulation".

The General Staff Military Prosecution has made a list of 100 people who avoided military service with a medical report showing unfitness. The list includes Demirtas. 30 people have already been arrested.

DTP: Demirtas responsible for diplomatic relations 

The DTP pointed out that of the two co-chairs, Emine Ayna was responsible for political activities within Turkey, while Demirtas had been appointed to deal with diplomatic relations. It added that Demirtas was abroad in order to advertise the party's "democratic autonomy" project and would return as soon as the meetings were completed.

The party emphasised that Demirtas left Turkey on 18 November, and that the arrests began on 22 November. Furthermore, neither Demirtas nor his lawyers have been sent any information on this case.

"Why brought up now?" 

On 13 November, the "Radikal" newspaper quoted Demirtas's reaction to claims that his medical report was fake:

"I came out of prison at the end of 2004. I was in prison for twelve years. In that period there were some illnesses. Then, as a result of an application, I was given a report. How would I know whether the report was real or fake? Is there a hospital record? I don't know."

He added, "it is meaningful that this is being brought up now", referring to the current debate on whether or not to lift the immunity of DTP MPs, and attempts at closing the party. (TK/AG)