ISTANBUL - HDP Youth Assembly member Hüsamettin Tanrıkulu touched upon the conspiracy against Abdullah Ocalan in the case in which he is on remand. The court then cut off the SEGBIS connection.

 

The 7th hearing of the case filed against Hüsamettin Tanrıkulu, a former member of the People's Democratic Party (HDP) Youth Assembly, who was arrested in Istanbul on September 3, 2022, on the charge of "being a member of a terror organization" was held. Tanrıkulu was arrested after being targeted by former Minister of Internal Affairs Süleyman Soylu. Tanrıkulu attended the hearing at the 29th High Criminal Court of Istanbul Courthouse via Audio and Video Information System (SEGBIS). His lawyer Nagehan Avçil was also present in the courtroom.

 

Based on the statements of open witness Ümit Akbıyık, the court combined the new indictment with the existing file, alleging "being a member of a terrorist organization", "damaging property" and "possession of dangerous substances without permission".

 

Lawyer Avçil, who spoke at the hearing, pointed to the combined files and demanded: "We think that Diyarbakır Court has authority. Therefore, we demand that the file be given no jurisdiction and be sent to Diyarbakır."

 

The prosecutor demanded concurrence to the demand. The prosecutor also demanded his continued detention.

 

'WE WANT THE ISOLATION TO BE ABOLISHED’

 

Making his defense, Tanrıkulu touched upon the February 15 international conspiracy against PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan. Pointing out that Ocalan has been held in Imralı since the conspiracy, Tanrıkulu said: "We want the isolation to be abolished."

 

Chief Judge interrupted Tanrıkulu and cut off the SEGBIS connection, claiming that he "did not comply with the hearing order".

 

'RIGHT OF DEFENSE HAS BEEN BLOCKED’

 

Lawyer Avçil said: “My client's right to defense was unlawfully blocked by the court. This is against freedom of expression. The right to defense was clearly violated. My client may make political statements.”

 

Avçil demanded release.

 

THE HEARING HAS BEEN POSTPONED

 

The court decided to demand "concurrence" from Diyarbakır 4th High Criminal Court. The court did not release Tanrıkulu and postponed the hearing to April 4.