HDP criticizes German FM for calling on party to distance itself from PKK

HDP co-chairs Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar have criticized German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas for calling on the party to distance itself from the PKK. The co-chairs said that the call contradicts the values of the European Union and the Council of Europe.

Wednesday March 31 2021 02:55 pm

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

Duvar English

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-chairs Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar have sent a letter to German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas to criticize him for calling on the HDP to distance itself from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

In the letter, the co-chairs asked the German Foreign Ministry to give information on the solid and legal basis that enabled it to make that call, the HDP said on March 30.

They also noted that the call contradicts the values of the European Union and the Council of Europe, especially political organization and freedom of expression.

The accusations against the HDP, "which defends democracy, peace and freedoms," are "completely unfounded," the co-chairs said, while calling on Maas to reevaluate his remarks on the issue.

Maas on March 18 released a statement to condemn Turkey for trying to shut down the HDP, as well as stripping Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu of his parliamentary status.

"The case of the HDP raises considerable doubts as regards proportionality. At the end of the day, democratic decision-making processes require the legitimate representation of the opinions and interests of all citizens. A vibrant opposition is an integral part of this. We will therefore be watching further steps taken in this matter very closely," the statement released by Maas read.

"Germany calls on Turkey to comply with the most stringent democratic and rule-of-law standards, which it has pledged to uphold as a member of the Council of Europe and as an EU accession candidate," the foreign minister said.

The statement ended with the call that drew criticism from the HDP.

"We call on the HDP to clearly distance itself from the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization also in the EU," Maas said.

The HDP, currently facing closure, is the third-largest party in parliament. It's often the subject of PKK-related court cases. The party denies such links.