Members of the DEM Party Imrali Delegation, Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar, met with imprisoned politicians Selahattin Demirtaş and Selçuk Mızraklı at Edirne Prison.
Following the meeting, the delegation members made statements to the press.
Pervin Buldan stated: “We held a three-hour meeting with our friends Selahattin Demirtaş and Selçuk Mızraklı. Both of them send their greetings to everyone. Their health is good, their morale is good. They are trying to follow the process closely. Of course, we know that it is difficult to follow developments under prison conditions. Both of them have been facing an injustice for a long time.
Selahattin Demirtaş has been in prison for 10 years. Despite three rulings by the European Court of Human Rights, his detention continues. I want to strongly underline that this injustice must come to an end as soon as possible. The whole society, the entire public, knows that Mr. Demirtaş would make very positive and constructive contributions to the process. The state itself also knows this.
Therefore, Selahattin Demirtaş and Selçuk Mızraklı must regain their freedom without delay. I would like to stress that the law can no longer be postponed. If society and Turkey need this process, then it is imperative that legal and democratic steps be taken without delay.
In saying this, we are also referring to the steps that need to be taken within the peace process. Yes, there is preparation for legislation. However, new laws are not required for these friends to be released. There are already court decisions in place. Once these decisions are implemented, our friends will be released. I want to underline once again that this must no longer be delayed and that their release must be secured immediately.
They conveyed their greetings to everyone. We were very pleased and honored to see them.”
Mithat Sancar stated: “We had a long meeting and exchanged views regarding the latest developments. We listened to our friends. We listened at length to Selahattin Demirtaş and Selçuk Mızraklı, received their detailed assessments, and shared our own views as well. I would like to convey to everyone that both of them are highly eager to contribute to this process.
The fact that both Demirtaş and Mızraklı are currently in prison constitutes an unlawful situation. This unlawfulness has lasted a long time and has created a grave injustice. Remedying this injustice is not a personal matter. It is both a requirement of justice and a necessity of the process we are currently experiencing. Addressing this unlawfulness would increase trust in the rule of law. Trust in the law would, in turn, strengthen support for the process.
On the other hand, both of our friends—especially Selahattin Demirtaş—would have the opportunity and the will to contribute much more effectively and actively to the process once this unlawfulness is remedied. This is a reality. We are all aware of this, and so is everyone else. In terms of strengthening trust in justice, increasing support for the process, and enabling it to progress more rapidly and gain broader societal acceptance, their freedom is highly important. This must once again be emphasized. Trust in the law will provide stronger support for the process.
Enabling our friends to work freely outside prison for peace would also increase societal support. Our shared aim is to bring peace and a democratic solution to the country. Our friends are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to fulfill this duty and responsibility under free conditions. We once again share this with you, the public, all actors, and all relevant parties.”
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