HDP leader says fair trial ‘impossible’ in Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey (Kurdistan 24) – The jailed leader of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on Wednesday said it was impossible for him to have a fair trial in the country.

HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas told Reuters from prison he "doubted" Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan would give him a proper tribunal.

“The decision to arrest me and my colleagues is political,” Demirtas declared.

“Currently, Turkey’s judiciary is under complete control and pressure of the AK Party,” he continued, referring to the ruling party founded by Erdogan.

The HDP head, also a former human rights lawyer, was imprisoned along with a dozen other of the party’s lawmakers in a crackdown following last year’s failed coup.

The detained officials were accused of having ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) who is waging an ongoing battle against the Turkish government for broader Kurdish rights.

President Erdogan recently labeled the HDP official a “terrorist” in public, but despite this, Demirtas believes no one, not even the law, can stand up to the country’s leader.

“No one has the chance of a fair trial,” he expressed in a letter from his prison cell.

“Unfortunately, no judge in Turkey can object to Erdogan’s unlawful and transgressive remarks,” he added. “Judges are facing the threat of being removed, sacked, or jailed.”

During a press conference in Turkey earlier this month, Erdogan conveyed his feelings toward Demirtas when responding to a reporter.

“Turkey is a state of law,” he said. “The person you mentioned is a terrorist. We don’t have the authority to release terrorists from jail.”

The imprisoned pro-Kurdish party leader remained positive and reassured “Erdogan and judges who abide by him” would be held accountable.

Editing by G.H. Renaud