HDP lawmaker detained for failing to give testimony

By Aziz Aslan

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) – Turkish police on Wednesday detained a lawmaker of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) as part of a terror probe launched in southeastern Diyarbakir province, said a judicial source.

According to the Diyarbakir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Leyla Zana was also sought for failing to answer a summons linked to a counter-terrorism investigation.

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 last March.

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.