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Former Co-Chair of Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtaş has sent a message about the snap election from Edirne Type F Prison, where he has been held since November 4, 2016.
In the message posted on the official Twitter account of Demirtaş, a call for a "joint struggle" has been made before the Presidential and parliamentary general election which will be held on June 24, 2018.
Some of the highlights from Demirtaş's message are as follows:
"Look at the faces of people on the street, at school or at bus. Do you hate them when you think that they are not one of you? Or are you afraid of them? Don't you find it strange? Let us join hands and put an end to this terrible polarization together.
"A strong Turkey is possible with a strong democracy. We have the insight, courage and sincerity to solve all our problems in unity and with justice. Believe it, we can do it; believe it and let us do it.
"Do not believe everything that politicians say. It applies to my words as well. Until June 24, you will hear more lies than ever before. And also insults, smears, threats, promises, contempt and complex...
"Do not make too much of these types. They will fall apart at the blow of a single seal; believe it, we can do it; believe it and and let us do it."
Arrested in Edirne, standing trial in Ankara
Former Co-Chair of HDP Selahattin Demirtaş has been imprisoned since November 4, 2016 at Edirne Type F Prison on charges of "establishing and directing a terrorist organization", "propagandizing for a terrorist organization" and "praising the criminal and crime." Though the lawsuit was filed in Diyarbakır, it was handed over to Ankara 19th Heavy Penal Court chaired by Murat İlhan for security purposes.
The lawsuit against Demirtaş consists of 31 summaries of proceedings in total, which were prepared and sent to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey so that Demirtaş will be relieved from his MP duties. Demirtaş faces up to 142 years of prison sentence.
Demirtaş had his first hearing on February 14-16, 2018 and the second on April 11-12-13, 2018. (AS/SD)
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