04.11.2025 22:40
Former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş thanked MHP leader Bahçeli, who said, "His release will be a harbinger of good things," and CHP leader Özgür Özel, who apologized for his party's stance during the process of lifting immunities in 2016. Demirtaş also stated, "First, the weapons will be completely and permanently removed; this is clear."
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After the calls for his release, the former co-chair of the HDP, Selahattin Demirtaş, made his first statement.
In a written statement he made on his social media account, Demirtaş thanked MHP leader Bahçeli and CHP leader Özgür Özel. Demirtaş stated, "Mr. Devlet Bahçeli has bravely broken taboos in today's group meeting, showing that peace cannot be built by succumbing to fears. I sincerely congratulate him and thank him wholeheartedly. Likewise, Mr. Özgür Özel has also exhibited another example of courage with a virtuous attitude and a self-critical approach. I sincerely congratulate him and thank him wholeheartedly."
"BUILDING THE NEW IS A DUTY FOR ALL OF US"
In the continuation of his statement, Demirtaş said, "However, everyone should know and be sure of this; if we get stuck in the mistakes of the past while trying to open a brand new page together, we will also have mortgaged our future. Neither I nor any politician has such a luxury; in this context, I have no special grievances or resentments towards anyone. While the people expect us to solve problems, it is our duty to speak new things with foresight and courage, to build the new."
In the final part of his letter, Demirtaş sent a message to the PKK, stating, "First, the weapons must be completely and permanently removed, this is clear. Because Mr. Öcalan is clear and determined on this issue. Likewise, the President is behind the process. Our duty is to support this process without hesitation. We will strive to solve all our remaining problems together within the possibilities and conditions of democratic politics, but first peace, first peace."
ECtHR REJECTED DEMİRTAŞ'S APPEAL
Selahattin Demirtaş has been detained in Edirne F Type Prison since 2016. Most recently, the ECtHR rejected Turkey's appeal for the re-evaluation of the release decision given for Selahattin Demirtaş.
FIRST COMMENT FROM DEMİRTAŞ AFTER THE DECISION
Former HDP Chairman Selahattin Demirtaş issued a statement following the ECtHR decision. The statement he made in his own handwriting on his social media account is as follows: "Hello, the ECtHR decision is certainly important and legally binding. However, not only from our perspective but also from the perspective of our 86 million citizens, the 'brotherhood law' among us is more valuable than anything else. The brotherhood law is strengthened by our social, economic, and legal efforts and steps to live together equally, freely, justly, and peacefully. Issues should be addressed not through concepts of defeating, being defeated, hatred, and revenge, but through the concepts of a common future and common sense. Wishing that every step taken serves peace, tranquility, and prosperity, hoping to meet in free days, I send my greetings and love."
HIS LAWYERS FILED A RELEASE APPLICATION
After the ECtHR rejected Turkey's appeal for the re-evaluation of the release decision given for Selahattin Demirtaş, a noteworthy development occurred. Demirtaş's lawyers filed a release application.
BAHÇELİ: HIS RELEASE WILL BE A BLESSING FOR TURKEY
Following these developments, Bahçeli stated, "Mr. Selahattin Demirtaş has reached a conclusion through legal means. His release will be a blessing for Turkey."
ÖZEL: I WISH FREEDOM FOR ALL OF TURKEY
Regarding Bahçeli's statements, CHP Chairman Özgür Özel said, "Now some are trying to say, 'Let's do this for a 'terror-free Turkey,' and set aside democracy demands. In the country, there are currently trustees in 13 municipalities. Erdoğan has stated, 'From now on, trustees will become the exception.' Mr. Selahattin Demirtaş and Ms. Figen Yüksekdağ should be released. Mr. Bahçeli's statement that 'his release will be beneficial' is a very positive statement. But I ask those who boasted about putting Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ in prison yesterday: If you say 'this is for the best' today, don't you owe an apology? To be clear, we do too. As the current party leader, I apologize to all of Turkey for that day."
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