Turkish opposition leader speaks out on immunity law

The Guardian interviews pro-Kurdish HDP leader Selahattin Demirtas, who may end up in jail if a bill to strip Turkish parliamentarians of their immunity becomes law. Demirtas said Erdogan is pushing for the law, so he can prosecute opposition MPs, particularly those belonging to the HDP. If the bill becomes law, 50 of the 59 HDP parliamentarians would lose their immunity. Erdogan and the AKP have called for prosecuting HDP politicians for “terrorism.” Demirtas said that would destroy the Turkish-Kurdish peace process. Additionally, if MPs lose their immunity, they could be prosecuted for “insulting the president.”

 

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