The European United Left/Nordic Green Left Group (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament unreservedly condemns the arrests of the HDP co-chairs and eight other HDP MPs in Turkey.

On November 4th and 7th, HDP co-chairs Figen Yüksekdağ and Selahattin Demirtaş, as well as eight other members of the Grand National Assembly, were arrested.

These arrests are the latest in a months-long assault on HDP politicians by President Erdoğan and the AKP government. Since May 2016, 55 out of 59 HDP MPs have been stripped of their parliamentary immunity, and thousands of HDP executive members and affiliates are currently detained, including mayors and local councillors.

With the arrests of HDP politicians and the crackdown on opposition voices, scholars, judges and the media, President Erdoğan has turned his back on human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The HDP remains a beacon of hope for a democratic renewal in Turkey and a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Kurdish regions. The EU must send a strong signal to the Turkish authorities to immediately release the HDP representatives, stop the violation of human rights, respect the independence of the media and restore the rule of law.  

Therefore, GUE/NGL calls on Commission President Juncker, Council President Tusk, Commission Vice-President Mogherini and the Heads of States and Governments of the European Union to:

– Revoke the EU-Turkey statement, putting an end to this agreement;

– Freeze the accession negotiations until the rule of law has been restored;

– Consider sanctions against the Turkish authorities. 

 

GUE/NGL Press Contact:

Nikki Sullings  +32 22 83 27 60 / +32 483 03 55 75

Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20