During the plenary session (10-13/12/18) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on ruling of the European Court of Human Rights on the case of Selahattin Demirtas, Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition candidate. Statements by Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the EC, and Kati PIRI (S&D, NL).

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

respect for human rights in the world (T)

MOGHERINI, Federica (IT, EC)

PIRI, Kati (S&D, NL)

Ruling of the European Court of Human Rights on the case of Selahattin Demirtas: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the EC, Demirtaş is a member of Parliament, former presidential candidate, the co-chair of his party and a democratically elected leader. His case speaks about pluralism in Turkey, and the rights of every individual to take part in the country's democratic life freely.

SOUNDBITE (English), Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the EC, We expect the Turkish authorities including the Turkish judiciary to follow up in an appropriate manner on the recommendations by the Council of Europe and on the rulings by the European Court of Human Rights and we expect to see concrete progress in Turkey on rule of law and fundamental freedoms including those of Mr Demirtaş.

SOUNDBITE (English), Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the EC, The European Convention on Human Rights is embedded in Turkey's democratic domestic law. So this is a violation not of a recommendation coming from the European Union, but of Turkey's own laws principles and values.

SOUNDBITE (English), Kati PIRI (S&amp;D, NL), <p>Ladies and gentlemen, this is the definition of a political prisoner. This is the reason why present Erdoğan has no plans to release his political opponent. It's easier to rule without an opposition, without free press and without civil society. Dear Başak,when you are in the Court tomorrow to witness the show trial against your husband, know that you have the European Parliament behind you. We will not forget him and continue to demand justice. Selahattin: we are with you.</p>