2 HDP deputies, no-shows at trial, sought for arrest

By Cemal Asan

VAN, Turkey (AA) - A court in Turkey’s eastern Van province Friday issued arrest warrants for two opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) lawmakers for failing to appear at their ongoing trial, according to judicial sources.

Van prosecutors last year opened investigations into HDP deputies Lezgin Botan and Adem Geveri for making public remarks allegedly spreading propaganda for a terrorist organization.

The first hearing, last month, was postponed when the two lawmakers did not appear. At today’s hearing, they were also absent, but represented by their lawyer.

Botan faces up to 40 years in prison, while Geveri faces a possible life sentence.

Last November, 13 HDP lawmakers were arrested and 10 of them, including HDP co-leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, remain in custody awaiting trial on terrorism-related charges.

The lawmakers face prosecution under anti-terrorism legislation after their parliamentary immunity was lifted.

The government has accused the HDP of having links to the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU.