Turkish gov't seeks to strip 20 opposition MPs, including CHP leader, of parliamentary immunity

Turkish parliament has received fresh summaries of proceedings seeking to have legislative immunity lifted for 20 opposition lawmakers, 15 of whom belong to the HDP. Main opposition leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu is among the targeted lawmakers.

Wednesday June 30 2021 11:52 pm

Duvar English

Turkey’s Justice Ministry has submitted to parliament fresh summary of proceedings seeking to have legislative immunity lifted of 20 opposition lawmakers.

The Joint Constitution and Justice Committee of Parliament will examine the summary of proceedings prepared by the prosecutors.

If parliament votes to strip the deputies of their immunity from prosecution, they will be tried by Turkish courts.

The proposals target main opposition Republican Peoples' Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and lawmakers from five other opposition parties, including Democratic Regions Party (DBP), İYİ (Good) Party, Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) and Democrat Party (DP).

Fifteen lawmakers of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) MPs are among the targeted politicians.

Imprisoned politician Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu is the latest HDP lawmaker to have his parliamentary status revoked. In April, he was jailed based on a politically motivated court case.