HDP suspends lawmaker for two years over domestic violence accusation

Turkey's pro-Kurdish HDP announced on July 28 that lawmaker Mensur Işık was suspended from the party for two years over accusations of domestic violence against his wife. The party said that the decision was given based on the principle that "the woman's statement is essential."

Tuesday July 28 2020 07:33 pm

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The Pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) has announced that it suspended its deputy Mensur Işık for two years over accusations that he physically assaulted his wife.

“Based on the principle that 'the woman's statement is essential', the [HDP] disciplinary board has listened to both Mensur Işık and [wife] Ebru Işık. The defenses have been taken and allegations have been heard. Mensur Işık was temporarily suspended from the party for a period of two years,” Mezopotamya news agency quoted HDP parliamentary group deputy chair Meral Danış Beştaş as saying on July 28 during a press meeting in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır.

The HDP announced on July 17 that it suspended all duties for Işık after his wife Ebru Işık reported the assault to health workers.

Ebru Işık later withdrew her complaint against the deputy saying that bruises had appeared after “hitting a cupboard.”