Turkey: Ex-HDP leader files application for his release

Application seeks release of jailed Selahattin Demirtas in wake of European court’s non-binding decision

By Selma Kasap

ANKARA (AA) - A former leader of Turkey’s opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on Tuesday filed an application for his release in the wake of a non-binding decision by a European court.

The lawyers of HDP's former co-chairman Selahattin Demirtas submitted the application to a High Criminal Court in capital Ankara.

The move came after the European Court of Human Rights issued a non-binding decision to release Demirtas.

In a statement, the European court noted that Demirtas had been arrested and detained on “reasonable suspicion” of having committed a criminal offence.

However, the statement said the judicial authorities had extended the politician’s detention on grounds that could not be regarded as “sufficient” to justify its duration.

In November 2016, Demirtas along with 12 HDP lawmakers, were arrested on terror-related charges. Demirtas remains in custody pending trial.

The Turkish government accused the HDP of being linked to the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU.

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