Turkey’s Top Court Invalidates Jailed Lawmaker’s Removal from Parliament

Turkey's Constitutional Court has nullified Parliament's decision to strip opposition lawmaker Can Atalay of his seat. Atalay, jailed for allegedly organizing the 2013 Gezi Park protests, is deemed to have his rights violated. His lawyer and opposition parties are calling for his immediate release and reinstatement.

Turkey's Constitutional Court has declared Parliament's decision to remove opposition lawmaker Can Atalay from his seat as null and void. Atalay, who was sentenced in 2022 for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government during the 2013 Gezi Park protests, denies all charges.

In January, parliamentary actions and judicial rulings resulted in Atalay, who represents the Workers' Party of Turkey, losing his parliamentary seat while serving an 18-year prison term. However, the Constitutional Court ruled that this violated his rights, including his right to be elected and his liberty.

The detailed ruling published on Thursday emphasized the lack of legal value in the Court of Cassation's failure to act on the higher court's decision. Opposition leaders and Atalay's lawyer demand his immediate release and reinstatement, asserting that the decision paves the way for his freedom.

(With inputs from agencies.)