Özcan Purçu

Prejudice against the Roma still continues, but there have been significant changes in society's negative perceptions towards them, according to Turkey's first Roma parliamentarian. Despite positive changes in perceptions, access to education, shelter, and employment remain key problems, said Özcan Purçu, a member of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP). 

Three deputies from the main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) appeared at the top of parliament's telecommunications expenses list, sparking fresh debates after the legislature was struck by the record high bill of CHP Adana deputy Elif Doğan Türkmen. 

Turkey's first Roma deputy, Özcan Purcu, has drawn attention to discrimination against Roma citizens, citing problems in education, healthcare and equal access to the job market. The deputy asked for "proof of love [for Roma people]" on International Roma Day, marked on April 8 each year, by taking efficient political action, instead of uttering "vain words."

A main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy has rebuked Justice and Development Party (AKP) MPs for rejecting his proposal for a parliamentary inquiry into the problems faced by Roma-origin people in Turkey.

Deputies from Armenian, Syriac, Yazidi, Mhallami and Roma origins, who secured seats in the June 7 election, have all preserved their seats in the Nov. 1 election, weekly Agos has reported.

An investigation has been launched into a street march held by police officers who reportedly chanted discriminating slogans following an operation in which hundreds of anti-riot police officers raided several Roma neighborhoods in the northwestern province of Edirne.

A Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy has slammed a huge police operation in Roma neighborhoods of the town of Ke?an in the northwestern province of Edirne, saying the raid aimed to "fuel ethnic discrimination" and "advertise the police forces in the media." 

Turkey?s Roma and Yazidi populations will be represented in parliament for the first time, as main opposition Republican People?s Party (CHP) Roma candidate Özcan Purçu and Peoples? Democratic Party (HDP) Yazidi candidates Feleknas Uca and Ali Atalan all secured seats in the June 7 elections. 

Özcan Purçu, who is expected to become the first ever Roma politician in the Turkish Parliament, has said he opted to be nominated from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) as the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) "Roma initiative" ultimately failed.

Having presented the main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) list of candidates to run for parliament in the June 7 elections, CHP head Kemal K?l?çdaro?lu has said the party has prepared a comprehensive list embracing all Turkish society, including women, disabled people and ethnic minority candidates.