Arrest of HDP MP Güven on Parliamentary Agenda

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A parliamentary inquiry has been submitted concerning Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Hakkari MP Leyla Güven still being kept in prison.

An appeal made to Diyarbakır 9th Heavy Penal Court for release of Güven was concluded on June 29, and the court ruled release of the MP. However, prosecutor’s office objected took the decision to the higher court. Evaluating the objection, 10th Heavy Penal Court reversed the decision of release.

Arrested while serving as Democratic Society Congress (DTK) Co-Chair and sent to Diyarbakır Prison, Leyla Güven was elected Hakkari MP at June 24 elections.

In the inquiry submitted by HDP Siirt MP Meral Danış Beştaş awaiting response from Minister of Justice Abdulhamit Gül, it was underscored that the court judging Güven ruled for the release of her on the ground that Güven acquired parliamentary immunity.

No release decision was issued in the hearing dated July 11 either. The next hearing is on November 4, 2018. (AS/TK)