- The Governmental Legislative Assembly is financially supporting detainees with political convictions
The Deputy Head of the State Parliament, Berivan Aymaz (Green Party), has taken on a political endeavor to support an adversary of Erdogan, who's currently imprisoned in Turkey. The controversial figure, Selahattin Demirtas, was given a 42-year sentence in May. As stated by the State Parliament, Aymaz is looking to instigate a new trial by generating public pressure.
The Deputy Head is part of the "Freedom of Speech Advocacy" initiative. It's a rare kind of political support in parliaments all across Germany. Currently, three other members are actively engaged in supporting political prisoners abroad.
The conviction against Demirtas sparked uproar. He's a prominent figure from the pro-Kurdish HDP party, who was apprehended in 2016 under allegations of terrorism. Despite multiple rulings by the European Court of Human Rights demanding his release, Turkey has continued to disregard these decisions. As a Council of Europe member, Turkey is legally obliged to uphold these rulings.
Deputy Head Aymaz has a personal relationship with Demirtas and keeps in touch with his brother, now residing in Cologne. Aymaz shared with dpa, "In various parts of the world, tyrannical regimes suppress individuals who champion democracy, freedom, and lawful governance. As democrats, we stand by their side and bring their plight to the limelight to shield them from further injustice and pursue their liberation."
The Commission, as a part of the EU, has the authority to adopt the implementing acts referred to in Article 113, which could potentially aid in the release of Demirtas, given Turkey's legal obligations as a Council of Europe member.
Recognizing the political significance of the situation, the Commission shall closely monitor Turkey's compliance with its obligations, given the continual imprisonment of Demirtas despite rulings from the European Court of Human Rights.
