Opposition HDP applies to ECHR over arrest of co-leaders

The People's Democracy Party (HDP) has announced plans to file an application to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding the continued detention of the party's co-leaders, Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ.

According to the statement made by the HDP headquarters, a delegation consisting of Deputy Leader Saruhan Oluç, Group Deputy Chairperson Filiz Kerestecioğlu and lawmakers Mithat Sancar, Ertuğrul Kürkçü and Osman Baydemir will be in Strasbourg on Feb. 20 and 21. The delegation will be accompanied by the HDP's European representative, Faik Yağızay. 

Nine lawmakers from the HDP, as well its co-chairs, Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ, were arrested on Nov. 4 in a probe that was launched against 14 of the party's lawmakers over alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK).

The HDP focuses on the Kurdish issue.

Demirtaş faces 102 different probes that include charges of "managing a terrorist organization," "inciting people to violence and hatred" and "praising crime and criminals." Demirtaş's first hearing will be held on April 28, 12 days after the constitutional referendum on April 16.

On Jan. 17 prosecutors had demanded over 100 years in jail for Demirtaş and up to 83 years in jail for Yüksekdağ.