Baydemir fined 12,000 TL for saying "Kurdistan" at the parliament

In addition to his suspension from two parliamentary sessions, Kurdish MP Osman Baydemir was fined 12,000 TL for using the word "Kurdistan" in the budget debate in the Turkish parliament. 

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ayşenur Bahçekapılı suspended People’s Democratic Party (HDP) MP Osman Baydemir and fined him 12,000 TL (3,100 USD) for using the term "Kurdistan" in the budget debate.

Speaking at Turkish parliament HDP Representative Dilan Dirayet Taşdemir responded to the fine: "Just because it is said that we do not exist does not make us disappear. For years, the term ‘Kurdistan’ was banned and used in its place the word ‘Anatolia’ was used. However, the existence of Kurdistan is a historical, geographical and cultural fact. We did not reinvent this term. "

The term "Kurdistan" had already been used in the Ottoman Empire, according to Dilan Dirayet Taşdemir.

"Even in the parliamentary library, there are 128 writings in which this word occurs. We existed 1000 years ago and it will still be around in 1000 years." Taşdemir said.

On December 13, Osman Baydemir said Kurdistan while speaking at the parliament. After his use of the word Ruling Justice and Development Party’s MPs protested. When an AKP MP asked, “where is Kurdistan?” Baydemir responded by putting his over his heart and said: “It’s right here, Kurdistan is here”.

After the incident, Baydemir was banned from two parliamentary sessions by the parliament’s president.