20.11.2025 16:20
Bülent Arınç, who went to Edirne Prison, claimed that Demirtaş told him he wanted to meet with President Erdoğan. Arınç also alleged that Demirtaş said, "I will not consider candidacy from now on." Former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş denied the allegations in a statement, saying, "I will either come out without compromising my honor or I will stay here."
Former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş responded to claims that he "wants to meet with Erdoğan" following Bülent Arınç's prison visit with a written message. Demirtaş requested that no words other than his own statements be taken into account and said, "I will either come out without compromising my honor or I will stay here."
CLAIMS RAISED AFTER ARINÇ'S VISIT
Bülent Arınç claimed that Selahattin Demirtaş, whom he met in prison, expressed a desire to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and stated that he would withdraw from active politics. As these claims resonated widely in the public, Demirtaş broke his silence with a written statement.
"NO ONE SHOULD ATTRIBUTE WORDS TO ME EXCEPT MYSELF"
In his statement, Demirtaş emphasized that the expressions attributed to him do not reflect the truth without directly quoting Arınç's words. Reminding that he has been in prison for nine years, Demirtaş stated that he will protect his honor throughout his life:
"I entered here with my head held high and with my honor intact; I will either come out with my head held high without compromising my honor or I will stay here until the last day of my life."
Demirtaş expressed that no opinion that he has not shared directly binds him, stating, "No one has the authority to speak on my behalf, even if they are well-intentioned."
"IT'S SAD TO FACE DISTORTED WORDS"
Demirtaş noted that throughout his years in prison, statements attributed to him have circulated in the public, stating that this has been one of the most challenging issues for him. He mentioned that such claims have to be corrected every time, and this has become a separate burden.
"I WILL NO LONGER MEET WITH POLITICIANS AND LAWYERS"
Demirtaş stated that in order to prevent misrepresentations and abuses, he will no longer meet with politicians and lawyers, and will only communicate with his friends. He concluded his statement with the words, "Warm greetings to you all, with my love..."