PodcastParliament commission calls for lifting of former HDP MP Çelik's immunity over sexual assault claims
A Turkish Parliament commission on Aug. 24 penned a report suggesting the lifting of the parliamentary immunity of former HDP lawmaker Tuma Çelik, who faces allegations of raping a woman. The general assembly of Parliament will later vote to decide whether to strip Çelik of his immunity, paving the way for his prosecution.
Duvar English
A commission of Turkish Parliament has penned a report regarding sexual assault allegations against former Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputy Tuma Çelik and said that Çelik's immunity should be lifted for him to stand trial in the case.
The Preparatory Committee will convey its report to Parliament's Constitutional and Justice Joint Commission, which will be given one month to discuss the case. The general assembly of Parliament will later vote to decide whether to strip Çelik of his immunity, paving the way for his prosecution.
Çelik faces allegations of sexually assaulting a female party member. The HDP announced on June 30 that it launched a disciplinary investigation into the case and suspended Çelik from partaking in any of the party's activities.
On July 18, Çelik announced that he himself resigned from the party, claiming that the woman, known only by initials D.K., was “blackmailing” him. Two days later, the HDP announced that it expelled Çelik from the party.
“The party takes the necessary stance regarding any crime against the women. The HDP does not change its stance regarding this issue, whoever it is, whether be it a lawmaker or a manager,” the HDP said in its statement on July 20.