Nationalist leader Bahçeli cool over bid to free MPs

ANKARA

Bahçeli gives a cold shoulder to plans for the release of jailed deputies. DAILY NEWS photo, Selahattin SÖNMEZ

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, a deputy of whose own party is currently in jail, gave the cold shoulder to recent attempts for the release of imprisoned deputies.

MHP’s Engin Alan, who was handed an 18-year sentence for his role in the Balyoz coup plan and whose conviction was approved by the Supreme Court of Appeals in October, has appealed the approval of the verdict, Bahçeli said on Nov. 12 in response to questions from reporters who recalled that the appeal deadline ended as of Nov. 11.

“The others’ trials are still going on, they are under arrest but their trials are going on. Our deputy Mr. Engin Alan is convicted. For which purpose are those, who haven’t started this attempt before he was convicted, serving now?” Bahçeli responded when asked about the MHP’s approach to an initiative to draft a provisional Constitution article for the release of deputies in jail.

“Is securing the release of five PKK members patriotism or a good step within the framework of human rights?” Bahçeli asked.