ADVERTISEMENT

Government blocks EU MPs' visit to jailed Kurdish leader

He is one of 10 HDP MPs held, including his co-leader Figen Yuksekdag, following their arrest earlier this month

Selahattin Demirtas -- the co-leader of the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) -- is being held at a prison in Edirne in northwest Turkey

The delegation of a dozen members of the Party of European Socialists (PES) sought to make a visit to the head of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas at the prison in Edirne in northwest Turkey.

But they were blocked by Turkish gendarmes on the approach road to the prison and instead held an impromptu press conference in the street, an AFP correspondent said.

Demirtas' lawyers were however allowed to visit him.

ADVERTISEMENT

He is one of 10 HDP MPs held, including his co-leader Figen Yuksekdag, following their arrest earlier this month.

They are accused of membership of or promoting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and are under arrest in various prisons across the country pending trial.

"He is not abandoned, he is not alone, our political family is in solidarity with him," said PES president and Bulgarian MEP Sergei Stanishev who was joined by MEPs and national lawmakers from Sweden, France and Austria.

The former Bulgarian premier added that there can be "no compromise" on political criteria, as Turkey seeks to join the European Union in a long-stalled bid.

Hisyar Ozsoy, the vice chairman of the HDP in charge of international affairs, slammed the reluctance of the authorities to allow visits to Demirtas.

ADVERTISEMENT

"There is a serious policy of isolation... they have reduced relations with the outside world to the lowest level," he said.

According to the HDP, over 50 pro-Kurdish mayors have also been detained in the crackdown, the latest being Mardin mayor Ahmet Turk who was taken in on Monday.

Critics complain the authorities are using the state of emergency imposed in the wake of the July 15 coup attempt to crack down on all opposition, not just the suspected coup plotters themselves.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT