Defense Ministry compensation case against former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş postponed to November

SİBEL YÜKLER The 100,000 lira ($11,000) emotional distress compensation lawsuit filed by the Ministry of National Defense against former co-leader of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Selahattin Demirtaş, has been postponed to November 16. The Ministry of National Defense initiated the lawsuit against Selahattin Demirtaş, who is currently held at Edirne F-Type Closed Prison, in relation to his statements alleging the use of chemical weapons by the Turkish Armed Forces. Following the ministry's complaint alleging "making terrorist propaganda" and "insulting state institutions and organizations," the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation, stating that Demirtaş had "attacked the personal rights, honor, and dignity of the Turkish Armed Forces." The preliminary hearing for the emotional distress compensation lawsuit was initially scheduled for June 20 at the Ankara 30th Civil Court. However, due to excuse petitions submitted by both parties, the trial has been postponed to November 16. Fincancı's Arrest: On October 19, 2022, Demirtaş posted on his social media account, stating, "Let no one forget for a moment that the use of chemical weapons is a crime against humanity, and there is no statute of limitations for crimes against humanity. Those who commit such a crime will be held accountable before an independent judiciary." In response to the investigation launched regarding this statement, Demirtaş's Defense Group stated that the statement was entirely within the framework of freedom of expression and political debate. Şebnem Korur Fincancı's Arrest: Şebnem Korur Fincancı, the President of the Central Council of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB), was also arrested and sent to prison on October 27, 2022, following an investigation initiated after her televised speech claiming that the Turkish Armed Forces could use chemical weapons.