CHP complains of gov’t to delegation

The opposition parties have slammed the ruling party for trying to curb democratic rights and restrict fundamental freedoms in meetings with a visiting European Parliament delegation, which they called on to be more active in pressing the government.

A delegation led by Turkey rapporteur Ria Oomen-Ruijten held meetings in Ankara on Nov. 10 and 11 with President Abdullah Gül, interior and defense ministers, opposition parties and civil society representatives.

In a meeting with main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the delegation heard a number of criticisms toward the government mainly about the democratization process, according to information gathered by the Hürriyet Daily News.

Recalling that eight elected deputies were still behind bars as a result of court rulings that he described as “no longer independent,” Kılıçdaroğlu accused the government of controlling the Supreme Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK).

“Our friends in European countries have backed the constitutional amendments paving the way for changing the structure of the HSYK. They fully supported the government. Now, judicial independence is at risk,” Kılıçdaroğlu told the EP delegation.

When European lawmakers asked for the CHP’s opinion on the constitution-making process, Kılıçdaroğlu said his party was actively backing the process but had little confidence in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). “The government seems to do everything to keep Turkey out of the European Union,” Kılıçdaroğlu said.

The EP delegation also met with the parliamentary group leader of the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) Hasip Kaplan. Drawing attention to the operations against the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), Kaplan said the main purpose was to corner the BDP.

The delegation also met with Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy leader Oktay Vural. Recalling that both the AKP and CHP had offices in Brussels, Ruijten-Oomen asked why the MHP has not considered opening an office in Brussels as well. “We can open an office abroad if we deem it necessary,” said Vural.