05.11.2025 15:37
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" raised curiosity about what Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç would say. Tunç stated, "The Demirtaş decision has become final; the court will evaluate it once the decision is received."
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç answered questions from journalists at the AK Party group meeting. Tunç responded to a journalist's question regarding the finalization of the European Court of Human Rights' (ECHR) ruling on former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş's rights violation.
Reminding that there was a decision made by the Ankara 22nd Heavy Criminal Court regarding the Kobani Case against Demirtaş, Tunç stated, "Since 2019, he has been in detention, and the appeal process continues in the case known as the Kobani Case. The case is currently pending at the Ankara Regional Court of Appeal 22nd Criminal Chamber. Of course, regarding the detention, the relevant chamber issued a violation decision based on the application made to the European Court of Human Rights concerning the right to security and the conditions of detention as stated in Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The request for the chamber's decision to be reviewed by the Grand Chamber was not accepted by the panel; the 5-member panel did not evaluate it. Thus, the chamber's decision has become final in this regard. The chamber's decision will be evaluated by the Ankara Regional Court of Appeal 22nd Criminal Chamber if it comes to them or if the relevant parties apply. We will all need to wait for this evaluation process." he expressed.
HE RECEIVED 42 YEARS IN PRISON IN THE KOBANI CASE
Former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş 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 prison sentence was handed down to Demirtaş in 2024.
ECHR'S RIGHTS VIOLATION DECISION HAS BECOME FINAL
Due to prolonged detention, Demirtaş had applied to the European Court of Human Rights. The court had issued violation decisions regarding Demirtaş's detention three times. Turkey had last appealed on October 8 for the case to be addressed by the ECHR Grand Chamber. When the ECHR rejected the appeal, the rights violation decision regarding Demirtaş became final.
NOTIFICATION OF THE ECHR DECISION WILL BE AWAITED
The 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 wait for the notification of the ECHR decision during this process regarding the release request.
ANKARA BAM 22ND CRIMINAL CHAMBER WILL EVALUATE THE RELEASE REQUEST
The Justice Ministry can request the decision. After the European Court of Human Rights decision is received, the Ankara Regional Court of Appeal 22nd Criminal Chamber will make its decision regarding the release request.
FIRST COMMENT FROM DEMİRTAŞ AFTER THE DECISION
After the development, Demirtaş made his first statement regarding the issue, saying: "Hello, the ECHR 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 making and taking steps to carry out social, economic, and legal works that will ensure we live together equally, freely, justly, and peacefully. Issues should be addressed not through 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 APPLIED FOR RELEASE
After the ECHR rejected Turkey's request for a re-evaluation of the release decision for Selahattin Demirtaş, a noteworthy development occurred. Demirtaş's lawyers have applied for his release.
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 FOR 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 13 municipalities under trustees 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 decision concerning Selahattin Demirtaş that the court could request the original decision from the ministry through correspondence and then a release decision could be made.