Ali Bozan, MP for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), emphasized that the recent violation ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding Selahattin Demirtaş is not merely about an individual application, but represents a critical turning point for the future of the political climate in Turkey.
Bozan underlined that the scope of the ECHR ruling is not limited to Demirtaş’s detention but includes striking assessments concerning the Kobanê Conspiracy Trial and the political repression faced by politicians from the former Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP). He said, “This is not simply an individual violation ruling. This decision holds vital significance for all HDP politicians who are being prosecuted alongside Demirtaş. Its implementation has now become an unavoidable necessity.”
Bozan noted that the ECHR, in its assessment of Demirtaş’s second detention, did not only question the legality of the arrest itself but also concluded that the process was aimed at suppressing political activity. He stressed that this finding sets a precedent for the other politicians on trial in the Kobanê case.
Bozan said, “The ECHR is not only speaking of a violation of personal liberty, but of a collective form of political repression. For that reason, the ruling must be considered directly binding in all cases involving HDP politicians. Ignoring this ruling leads to a severe and irreparable loss of legal and political credibility.”
Ali Bozan criticized Turkey’s decision, as presented in its Action Plan to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, not to introduce changes concerning the right to hope. He said that past rulings by the ECHR had already highlighted this issue and called on Turkey to pass the necessary legal regulations.
Bozan said, “In the context of renewed discussions on a resolution process, the right to hope occupies a critical place. At this point, Turkey’s political will is being tested.”
Bozan also criticized Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç’s recent remark that “there is nothing on our agenda regarding the right to hope,” and stated: “If there truly is a goal of initiating a resolution process, such statements undermine the very spirit of it. One cannot speak of a genuine democratization process without first implementing the rulings of the ECHR. At this stage, releases can be carried out without the need for new legal regulations. Fundamental matters such as the right to hope cannot be ignored.
If legislation is required for the right to hope, even the parliamentary recess should be postponed. This matter cannot be delayed. If the spirit of the new era is to be taken seriously, parliament must act without delay. Both the Kobanê Conspiracy Trial and the right to hope are not only legal matters, they are also tests of political commitment to peace.”
Bozan also noted that the DEM Party is organizing public forums across Turkey as part of building the new process. He stated that during these forums, one of the most frequently expressed concerns by the people has been the government’s failure to take concrete steps. He said, “Society wants to believe in this new era, but the foundation of that trust must be justice.”
Source: ANF News
