Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Mithat Sancar and the party’s Foreign Affairs Committee co-spokesperson Hişyar Özsoy attended a virtual meeting organized by the European Parliament (EP) Socialists and Democrats Group.

HDP co-chair Mithat Sancar made a presentation on the latest developments in Turkey and the Turkey Progress Report which was accepted by the EP Foreign Relations Committee and expected to be presented to the EP General Assembly. Sancar said that the basic principles such as human rights, democracy and the rule of law should be at the basis of the relations between the EU and Turkey.

'JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE'

Sancar stated that the closure case against the HDP and the Kobanê Case were carried out under the influence of the government. Sancar remarked that as demonstrated by the non-implementation of the ECtHR judgments, it is not possible to speak of judicial independence in Turkey, a founding member of the Council of Europe. He noted that the lack of judicial independence is deepening economic and political instability.

The HDP co-chair also criticized the European Union’s failure in its policies concerning refuges, stating that this weakness fosters far-right in Europe and poses a great risk and danger to both the peoples of Europe and Turkey as well as refuges themselves.

'COMMON ATTITUDE NEEDED'

Emphasizing that the issue of democracy should not be limited to the internal political and social struggles of the countries, Sancar stated that a common attitude is needed against authoritarianism in Turkey and in the European countries with a similar political atmosphere.

Answering the questions of European Parliamentarians, Sancar stressed that the liberal values ​​endorsed by the HDP are of critical importance for both Europe and the Middle East. He added that the HDP will act with a sense of responsibility concerning regional cooperation.

Speaking at the beginning of the session, S&D Group head Iratxe García Pérez and the European parliamentarians said that they are on the side of the HDP and will continue their solidarity with the party.