Yüksekdağ gives her statement in hearing regarding Ankara massacre

Prosecuted for giving a speech at a funeral of someone who was killed on October 10 massacre in Turkish capital Ankara in 2015, HDP co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ stood trial via video-conference system Segbis yesterday.

Prosecuted for giving a speech at a funeral of someone who was killed on October 10 massacre in Turkish capital Ankara in 2015, HDP co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ stood trial via video-conference system Segbis yesterday.

During the hearing held at the Adana 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance, Yüksekdağ said the following:

“I am a Member of Parliament for the 3rd largest party in the Parliament in Turkey. My parliamentary immunity continues as of now. That my words are subject to judicial process is merely a sign of the travesty of justice [we are witnessing]. My words do not constitute a “crime”. We were arrested because we were targeted, and it is the government that considers our words a “crime”. Only in countries where a coup d’état has been successful are members of parliament arrested, thus, what we see is a picture of disgrace. And that disgrace does not belong to me.

I would like to speak regarding the 10 October Massacre that has been subject to judicial process. What should be tried, are not the words I said in the aftermath of the 10 October Massacre. What should be tried, the people who should be on trial, are those who are responsible of this massacre. I remember with respect all our sisters and brothers who lost their lives at the 10 October Massacre.

Rather than sharing this pain suffered by our people, the government chose to open an investigation against, not only me, but people who took part in these funerals. Hundreds of people remain under arrest. We have been arrested for the sole reason of taking part in the funerals of those who wanted peace, and this constitutes the greatest injustice. We acted as the natural spokespeople of our people after the massacre, and we voiced our criticism. That is our duty.

It is those who realized the 10 October Massacre that should be tried. In my view, a determined investigation of the notorious statements made during the 10 October trials will constitute the most significant step in lifting this injustice. At the last hearing of the 10 October trial, suspects made some very clear confessions. They made some very clear statements regarding the responsibility, collaboration and supervision of state officials in realizing this massacre. This is not merely my view, court records bear witness to it. I am being tried because a year ago I said what has now been said at the hearing of the 10 October trial. It is clear to see who should be tried, and who should be held accountable. It is the politicians who have prevented the revelation of the perpetrators of this massacre that should be on trial.

Under all manners of pressure, we will continue to protect the memory of the Martyrs of Peace. I respectfully commemorate the Martyrs of Peace who lost their lives at the massacre. I send my greetings to the families of the Martyrs of Peace. Under all manners of pressure, we will continue to protect the memory of those who lost their lives in the struggle for peace and freedom in Turkey. We made a promise to the Martyrs of Peace, we promised them that we would bring peace. Whether free, or imprisoned, we will never relinquish the struggle for peace and freedom.

In conclusion, I see that the allegations are without grounds, and that this is a case filed under the supervision of politicians. It is no less than a scandal that I am being tried because of my political identity. This scandal must be done away with. Resistance is necessary against any attempt seeking to transform the judiciary into a tool of oppression in the hands of politics. The institution of politics is trying to transform the entire judicial mechanism into a tool serving its own political ends and to use the judiciary to establish its oppression and authority upon opposition politicians like us. This is a highly important test for the judiciary of Turkey. The judiciary must display its independent character.”