Top court holds power to release MP Atalay with interim verdict, says parliament speaker

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Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş has addressed the issue of Can Atalay's detention during his visit to Northern Cyprus, stating that the Court of Cassation's interim decision could potentially lead to the lifting of his detention. However, Kurtulmuş emphasized that the ultimate decision lies with the court, not the Turkish Parliament.

Atalay, one of the individuals convicted in connection with the 2013 Gezi Park protests, was elected as a member of parliament for the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP) in the May elections.

Despite his election, Atalay remains in prison, which has drawn international criticism form rights groups. The chief public prosecutor of the Court of Cassation last week expressed the opinion that Atalay's arrest should continue.

Responding to criticism and reminders of the Constitutional Court's previous rulings, Kurtulmuş stated that it is inappropriate for anyone to demand a review of specific cases without proper authority, saying, "I consider this disrespectful."

The parliament's stance

Kurtulmuş emphasized the parliament's stance on Atalay's situation, stating that Atalay's name was officially announced in the parliament and that he was elected to the Human Rights Committee as an independent member, reflecting the collective inclination of the parties.

About the court's role, Kurtulmuş highlighted that an interim decision could potentially lead to the lifting of Atalay's detention, clarifying that it is the court's jurisdiction, not the parliament's, to make such a decision. "If the court desires, it can lift the detention status since this is a substantial case, and the respective member of parliament can come to Parliament and take the oath."

Kurtulmuş added, "As the parliament, we cannot interfere with the will of the court. However, the parliament has made its position clear on this matter."

He further explained that if the court decides to lift the detention status, Atalay will be able to come to the parliament and take the oath as a member of parliament. (VC/VK)