Turkish parliament lifts lawmaker Tuma Çelik's immunity over rape charges
Turkey’s parliament stripped independent lawmaker Tuma Çelik's immunity from prosecution, a move that paves the way for him to stand trial with regards to rape charges. Çelik was expelled from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) in July.
Duvar English
Turkish parliament on Oct. 7 lifted independent lawmaker Tuma Çelik's immunity for him to stand trial in an investigation concerning sexual assault charges.
Çelik, a former lawmaker from the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), faces allegations of sexually assaulting a female HDP member. The party announced on June 30 that it launched a disciplinary investigation into the case and suspended Çelik from partaking in any of the party’s activities.
OnJuly 18, Çelik announced that he himself resigned from the party,claiming that the woman, known only by initials D.K., was“blackmailing” him. Two days later, the HDP announced that itexpelled Çelik from the party.
“The party takes the necessary stance regarding any crime against the women. The HDP does not change its stance regarding this issue, whoever it is, whether be it a lawmaker or a manager,” the HDP said in its statement on July 20.