PodcastTurkish gov't continues to target opposition deputies with fresh judicial proceedings
Just as parliament launched its new legislative term, the Turkish government has not lost any time targeting opposition lawmakers. It has submitted fresh proposals seeking to have immunity lifted for three HDP MPs and one DBP MP.
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In less than a week after parliament started the fifth legislative session of its 27th term, it has received fresh summaries of proceedings seeking to have legislative immunity lifted for four lawmakers from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and Democratic Regions Party (DBP).
The proposals target HDP group deputy chair Meral Danış Beştaş, HDP Istanbul lawmaker Hüda Kaya, HDP Diyarbakır lawmaker Garo Paylan, and DBP Diyarbakır lawmaker Salih Aydeniz.
The summary of proceedings were initially presented to the Parliamentary Speaker's Office and then forwarded to the Joint Constitution and Justice Committee of Parliament for review.
In order for a legal action to start against a deputy, prosecutors prepare a summary of proceedings. The proposal is then forwarded, respectively, to the Justice Ministry, the presidency and parliament. If the General Assembly of parliament votes to strip the deputy of their immunity from prosecution, they are tried by courts.
A number of HDP deputies were stripped of their statuses in the past and scores of party members, including former lawmakers, are currently imprisoned.
Earlier this year, Turkish authorities launched a new lawsuit to close the HDP.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) continues to criminalize and target opposition voices, while presenting fictitious “reform” and “rights-based proposals” to the West.
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