ECtHR: Former Mayor of Batman Shall be Paid Compensation

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The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has concluded two separate applications of former Batman Mayor Hüseyin Kalkan, who was sentenced to 10 months in prison for his remarks in 2007, "People live in the mountains are the most honorable people in this country."

The court ruled that freedom of expression of Kalkan is violated and Turkey shall pay compensation.

"According to the decision, the government will pay 2,500 euros for non-pecuniary damages for 1,000 euros for court costs for each application," attorney Erkan Şenses announced in a tweet.

What happened?

During a meeting with the now-closed Democratic Society Party (DTP) MPs in the capital Ankara, Kalkan was asked what he thinks about the closure case against the DTP.

He said, "We came to sacrifice ourselves if needed. Our MPs have come to the parliament for the solution. It is not the right logic to open a closure case against us. These attempts show the 1980s. What is wanted now is to push the deputies whom our people chose out of politics. And this will hurt the country. The attempts to push us and our party out of the parliament despite all the good will make the Kurds set for separation.

"The people live in the mountains are the most honorable people in this country. Because they are making efforts not for their interests but just for the identity problem, for an honorable life. This country needs such people. This country is not harmed by these people. Doors should be opened for these people."

Batman Public Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation against Kalkan for these remarks. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison in the case. (RT/VK)