Turkish parliament lifts immunity of ex-HDP lawmaker

Tuma Celik accused of 'qualified sexual assault' and 'threatening' a woman

By Emin Avundukluoglu

ANKARA (AA) - The Turkish parliament on Wednesday lifted the legislative immunity of a former lawmaker of the opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) following "qualified sexual assault" and "threat" accusations.

Tuma Celik, a lawmaker from the southeastern Mardin province, did not plead any verbal defense in the general assembly.

Celik's immunity was lifted by unanimous vote of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and other opposition parties -- the Nationalist Movement Party, the Good (IYI) Party, and HDP.

On July 20, Celik was expelled from the HDP after the accusations.

He will face prosecution under the qualified sexual assault and threat following the parliament's vote.

Kaynak: