The first trial of the case for which HDP deputy co-chair İdris Baluken was jailed in November has been held today.

In this case, HDP's Baluken is being charged with “disrupting the unity and territorial integrity of the state; being a member of armed terrorist organization; spreading propaganda for a terrorist organization” based on an indictment that lumps together 10 separate files, five based on his participation in rallies and five based on his speeches.

The prosecutor demands aggravated life imprisonment and up to 18 years in jail for Baluken. The accusations are all related to statements he has made in the framework of his mission as a member of the İmralı Delegation and as an executive member of the HDP. Most of the aforementioned charges were put together by prosecutors who are now in prison on charges related to the 15 July coup attempt.

İdris Baluken attended the hearing through video call from Kandıra F Type Prison. He had been arrested together with 11 other MPs including HDP co-chairs on November 4, 2016.