ECtHR convicts Turkey in case of imprisoned HDP politicians

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Turkey has been convicted by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in its recent ruling on the application of imprisoned politicians from the Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ.

The ECtHR found Turkey guilty of violating their rights, citing the three-month lawyer ban imposed on the politicians after their arrest in November 2016, the recording of their conversations with attorneys by prison authorities, the seizure of documents, and their lack of access to effective legal assistance during the trial.

The ECtHR's ruling adds to the previous judgments against Turkey concerning the former leaders of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). In separate rulings in December 2020 and November 2022, the court had already deemed their pretrial detentions as violations of the European Convention on Human Rights. The court specifically highlighted the breach of their right to liberty and security under Article 5, their freedom of expression under Article 10, and the restrictions on their rights under Article 18.

As a result of the recent ruling, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has called for the immediate release of Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ.

In a statement on social media, the party said, "The ECtHR has once again ruled a violation of rights regarding our former Co-Chairs, Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ.

"Every day you fail to implement judicial decisions, you commit a crime. Implement the ECtHR judgments and release all our comrades, especially Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ, who are being held hostage!"

HDP deputy Meral Danış-Beştaş also tweeted about the issue, saying, "The ECtHR has once again gave a ruling of violation regarding Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ. Turkey's continued disregard for the rule of law is evident in its act of holding Yüksekdağ and Demirtaş hostage in prison." (AS/VK)