Constitutional Court refuses to postpone HDP closure case until after elections

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The Constitutional Court has rejected the Peoples' Democratic Party's (HDP) application for the postponement of the closure case against the party.

In mid-January, the HDP demanded the court postpone the case until the elections, which are expected to be held in May or June.

In a unanimous vote, the court also rejected the HDP's request for an additional time of two months for its defense against the order for the blocking of the party's Treasury funds, which are crucial for parties' election campaigns.

The court gave an additional time of 15 days for the party to prepare its defense against the decision.

Also, the party officials will make an oral defense on March 14.

In mid-2021, the high court accepted an indictment seeking the closure of the party because of its alleged ties to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged an armed insurgency for nearly four decades.

More recently, the court agreed to block the HDP's Treasury funds, which are vital for parties' election campaigns. (HA/VK)