05.11.2025 09:32
The European Court of Human Rights' ruling on the violation regarding the former co-chair of the HDP, Selahattin Demirtaş, and Bahçeli's statement that "his release would be beneficial for Turkey" have raised questions about how the process will proceed. While Demirtaş's lawyers are applying for his release, the Ankara Regional Court of Appeals, 22nd Criminal Chamber, will make its decision regarding the release request after the ECHR's ruling is received.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) made a ruling regarding a violation of rights concerning the former co-chair of the HDP, Selahattin Demirtaş, and following Bahçeli's statement, "His release will be beneficial," attention turned to domestic law.
HE HAD RECEIVED 42 YEARS IN THE KOBANI CASE
Selahattin Demirtaş, the former co-chair of the HDP, was arrested in 2016 as part of an investigation related to the Kobani events. As a result of the trial process, a total of 42 years of imprisonment was handed down to Demirtaş in 2024.
ECHR HAD ISSUED A VIOLATION RULING
Due to the long duration of his detention, Demirtaş had applied to the European Court of Human Rights. The court had issued violation rulings regarding Demirtaş's detention three times. Turkey had last appealed for the case to be reviewed by the ECHR Grand Chamber on October 8. When the ECHR rejected the appeal, the violation ruling concerning Demirtaş became final.
NOTIFICATION OF THE ECHR RULING WILL BE AWAITED
Domestic law needs to make a decision for his release. Demirtaş's lawyers have applied to the Regional Administrative Court, where the Kobani case is located, for his release. According to the information obtained, the court will await the notification of the ECHR ruling during this process regarding the release request.
ANKARA BAM 22ND CRIMINAL CHAMBER WILL EVALUATE THE RELEASE REQUEST
The Ministry of Justice can request the decision. After the European Court of Human Rights ruling is received, the 22nd Criminal Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Appeals will make its decision regarding the release request.
FIRST COMMENT FROM DEMİRTAŞ AFTER THE RULING
After the development, Demirtaş made his first statement on the matter, saying: "Hello, the ECHR ruling 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 the concepts of winning, losing, 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 HAVE FILED A RELEASE REQUEST
After the ECHR rejected Turkey's appeal for the re-evaluation of the release decision for Selahattin Demirtaş, a noteworthy development occurred. Demirtaş's lawyers filed a release request.
BAHÇELİ: HIS RELEASE WILL BE BENEFICIAL FOR TURKEY
Following these developments, Bahçeli stated, "Mr. Selahattin Demirtaş has reached a conclusion through legal means. His release will be beneficial 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 terrorism-free Turkey, let's set aside demands for democracy.' In the country, there are currently trustees in 13 municipalities for a 'terrorism-free Turkey.' 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 imprisoning Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ yesterday: If you say 'this is for the best' today, don't you owe an apology? To be clear, we owe one too. As the current party leader, I apologize to all of Turkey for that day."
FIRST COMMENT FROM FETİ YILDIZ
Feti Yıldız, Deputy Chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), stated regarding the ECHR's violation ruling concerning Selahattin Demirtaş that the court could request the original decision from the ministry through correspondence, and then a release decision could be made.