Investigation launched into HDP co-chair Demirtaş for ‘insulting the nation’

DİYARBAKIR – Doğan News Agency

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An investigation has been opened against Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş on charges which include, among others, “openly insulting the Turkish nation” and “producing propaganda of a terror organization,” as well as proceedings to lift his immunity, over a recent speech he delivered after HDP buildings were attacked across the country. 

The Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into Demirtaş’s words during a press conference he held in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır on Sept.9, after HDP buildings had been attacked and some, including the HDP headquarters in Ankara, were set on fire. 

Demirtaş was charged with “openly insulting the Turkish nation, the state of the Turkish Republic, the state’s institutions and organs,” “openly instigating to commit crime,” “defaming the president,” and “producing propaganda of a terror organization.” 

The Diyarbakır prosecutor’s office also sent the Interior Ministry a summary of the proceedings regarding Demirtaş to lift his immunity. 

Demirtaş had condemned Sept. 9, the violence which enveloped the country and resulted in numerous attacks against his party’s buildings, warning the perpetrators about the consequences of their actions.

“Everybody has the democratic right to protest our party. We will pay attention to criticisms and try to understand them,” Demirtaş had said, while adding that those “lynching” innocent people would all ultimately face justice.

“We are addressing the gangs employed on the streets with the coordination of the AKP [Justice and Development Party] and the MİT [National Intelligence Organization],” Demirtaş said, adding the government was using all state means to convey the message: “If you do not give us 400 deputies [in the November election], you will pay the price.”

Demirtaş also said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu were continuing to target the HDP over violent incidents in the country’s east and southeast.