Turkey’s Parliament Ejects Jailed Lawmaker Can Atalay, Defying Top Court
The Turkish parliament has taken the controversial decision to strip imprisoned opposition lawmaker, Can Atalay, of his seat, in defiance of the country’s top court. This move has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Turkey.
Can Atalay, a member of the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP), was elected as a lawmaker in the general elections held in 2018. However, he was arrested and imprisoned in 2019 on charges of “membership of a terrorist organization.” Despite his imprisonment, Atalay’s seat in parliament was protected by a ruling from the Constitutional Court, which stated that his rights and immunity as a lawmaker should be respected.
In a surprising turn of events, the Turkish parliament voted to remove Atalay from his position, ignoring the decision of the top court. The move has been condemned by opposition leaders and human rights organizations, who see it as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and a further erosion of democratic norms in Turkey.
The decision to eject Atalay from parliament is seen as part of a broader crackdown on the HDP and its members. Several other HDP lawmakers have also been jailed or removed from office in recent years, as the government accuses the party of having ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The HDP, however, denies these allegations and claims that it is being targeted for its pro-Kurdish and leftist stance.
The move has drawn international criticism as well, with the United States and the European Union expressing concerns about the state of democracy in Turkey. Human rights organizations have called for the immediate reinstatement of Atalay and other unlawfully removed lawmakers, and for an end to the government’s crackdown on the HDP.
The situation in Turkey has raised fears about the erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law. The country has been under a state of emergency for several years, following a failed coup attempt in 2016, which has led to a crackdown on political opposition, media freedom, and civil society. The recent move to remove Atalay from parliament is seen as another step towards consolidating power and silencing dissent in the country.
The controversial decision has also sparked protests and demonstrations in Turkey, with people taking to the streets to express their outrage and demand respect for the rule of law. The move has further polarized the country’s political landscape and raised questions about the government’s commitment to democracy and human rights.
In conclusion, the decision to eject jailed lawmaker Can Atalay from the Turkish parliament has raised serious concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the country. The move has been widely condemned by opposition leaders, human rights organizations, and the international community, and has sparked protests and demonstrations in Turkey. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges to democratic governance and human rights in the country and the need for international attention and action to address these issues.
