Meeting with judicial reporters in Antalya, Minister Tunç addressed the ECHR’s finalized ruling on human rights violations concerning former Co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Selahatting Demirtaş, who is imprisoned in connection with the Kobani Case. This was Tunç’s second statement on the matter. 

 

Tunç stated: “This is not the only decision of the European Court of Human Rights, as you know. There are past rulings, such as the Öcalan decision and the Kavala decision. Discussions are also ongoing at the Committee of Ministers. Regarding Demirtaş, this case concerns the Kobani Trial. As you all know, on May 16, 2024, Demirtaş and his colleagues were convicted at the Ankara 22nd High Criminal Court. Some defendants received limited prison sentences or were acquitted. The case is now under review at the Ankara Regional Court of Justice, 22nd Criminal Chamber.

 

The ECHR found that Demirtaş’s right to liberty and security was violated. Due to violations related to his detention, the Second Chamber of the ECHR ruled that Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights had been breached. There was public discussion about whether this decision would be appealed or not.

 

In such processes, we prefer that chamber decisions be reviewed by the Grand Chamber. Before reaching the Grand Chamber, there is a five-member panel, which determined that ‘no review is necessary,’ and the chamber finalized the decision in this form. This decision will now be considered by the Ankara Regional Court of Justice, 22nd Criminal Chamber. A first-instance verdict has been given, and the appeal process is ongoing. Therefore, the matter is currently before the court. We will all wait together to see what the court decides.”