Yüksekdağ not released due to ‘suspicion of flight’

During today’s hearing of HDP’s former co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ in Ankara's Sincan Prison hearing room, the court ruled continuation of detention due to ‘suspicion of flight’.

The second hearing in the case HDP’s (Peoples’ Democratic Party) former co-chair and MP Figen Yüksekdağ is in remand for was held at the hearing room in Sincan Closed Prison Compound on Monday. Yüksekdağ is facing up to 83 years in prison on 8 separate summaries of proceedings. The first hearing had been held at Ankara Courthouse on July 4.

Despite the fact that the hearing was transferred to Sincan Closed Prison Compound due to a “narrow hall” issue at the Courthouse, a 20-person hall has been designated for today’s hearing of the HDP politician. Still, policemen have been stationed in the audience desk at the hearing that was observed by HDP Co-chair Serpil Kemalbay who was elected in Yüksekdağ’s place, HDP Spokesperson Osman Baydemir, deputies Ayşe Acar, Mizgin Irgat, Müslüm Doğan and Besime Konca, as well as deputy co-chairs Beycan Taşkıran, Fatma Kurtulan, Saruhan Oluç and Yurdusev Özsökmenler.

Following the defence of lawyers who pointed out that Yüksekdağ’s right to due process was violated as it was unlawful to hold the hearing in the prison, the court rejected the demand for the next hearings to be held at Sıhhiye Courthouse due to “renovation” and “security” issues, ruling that the hearings will resume at a convenient hearing room in Sincan Prison.

The court ruled the unification of the suits against Yüksekdağ in Van and Urfa, and continuation of detention due to ‘suspicion of flight’.

The next hearing was adjourned to December 6, 2017.