We are deeply concerned about the detention of the leaders and Members of Parliament of our Turkish sister party, the People´s Democratic Party (HDP). We call for the immediate release of Selahattin Demirtas, Figen Yüksekdag and many other legally elected Members of Parliament of the HDP.
In arresting representatives of the Turkish people the Turkish government is abusing its power and is completely disregarding the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and freedom of speech as basic principles of democracy as well the rights of the opposition. The detentions are a next severe attack on Turkish democracy led and implemented by the Erdogan government.
Our solidarity is with journalists, civil society activists and the opposition in Turkey who stand up for democracy and pluralism. We are gravely concerned about our comrades and friends in our Turkish sister parties – in particular about the comrades from the HDP.
The Progressive Alliance calls for an immediate release of the arrested and an immediate return to democratic principles and rules.
