Parliamentary Group Deputy Chair of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), Sezai Temelli, said at a press conference in Parliament that significant steps had been taken in the process that began on 27 February and continued until 26 October but emphasised that these steps had remained unilateral.
Temelli said: “We know very well that in the process leading up to 26 October, from Abdullah Öcalan’s statements on 27 February to the withdrawal on 26 October, important steps were taken, but they were taken unilaterally. Now the most crucial issue for the next step is clearly this special law. It looks like this is where the process will begin. After completing its deliberations, the parliamentary commission will write its report on how this special law should be shaped. Based on that report, various views will be taken. Of course, this is also one such view. It will also be taken into account. And together with similar views, we will move forward towards drafting a bill. I hope we do not fall behind. Previously, 31 December had been mentioned as a target for passing the bill into law. I hope the bill reaches the general assembly without much delay and becomes law as soon as possible. If we start with this special law and if it meets a significant part of society’s expectations, then we can make healthy progress on this path.”
Commission must place a visit to Imrali on its agenda
Temelli said the National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy Commission, which is scheduled to meet tomorrow, should place a visit to Abdullah Öcalan on its agenda.
Temelli expressed his position on the matter as follows: “We had already called for this long ago. We repeatedly stressed that this should be the very first step. I hope that when the commission meets tomorrow, it will take this onto its agenda and I hope it will even make a decision and proceed to the island without delay.”
Temelli also addressed a wide range of issues during the group meeting. He raised concerns about the budget, taxation, regional inequalities and rejected parliamentary motions, warning that the proposed amendments to the Foundations Law risk transferring foundations currently under municipal control to central government.
Temelli said the budget proposal fails to take the needs of the public into account, that the new tax regulations deepen the burden on the poor, and that warnings on regional inequalities were ignored in the parliamentary commissions.
ECtHR ruling is clear, the court is committing a crime
Temelli said that all the DEM Party’s socially oriented motions, from the cancellation of farmers’ debts to the insurance of domestic workers, had been rejected, and emphasised that the continued detention of Selahattin Demirtaş and other political prisoners despite rulings by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) reflects the depth of judicial politicisation.
Temelli said: “Selahattin Demirtaş’s release was expected, and we are still waiting. There is no explanation whatsoever as to why he has not been released. The politicised judiciary continues to turn a blind eye. Yet the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights is final and unequivocal. Selahattin Demirtaş and all our friends tried in this case must be released immediately.”
Temelli reaffirmed the clarity of the ECtHR judgment and added: “By refusing to implement the decision of the ECtHR, the Court of Appeals is quite plainly committing a crime.”