HDP lures CHP deputies to appeal immunity decision

The pro-PKK Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) is trying to convince some Republican People's Party (CHP) deputies to co-sign a petition to file an appeal against the lifting of immunities in the Constitutional Court.

HDP Group Deputy Chairwoman Çağlar Demirel said Tuesday that the HDP has already started a campaign to take the amendment to the Constitutional Court. Addressing CHP deputies, she said: "We know that our number [of signatures] is not enough. We ask that the signatures be completed in good conscience," adding that the HDP believes there is an adequate number of CHP deputies who would be willing to sign the petition.

When asked about the situation in the CHP, Demirel said: "We know that there are deputies in the CHP who have a conscience. We believe their place should not be in the CHP."

The CHP has been in turmoil since last week's vote regarding the lifting of immunities in Parliament. After Parliament passed the bill with more than 367 votes in the second round, it became obvious that some CHP deputies voted in favor of the bill. In the first round, however, the bill had failed to pass the 367-vote threshold.

Another HDP group deputy chairman, İdris Baluken, also called on CHP deputies to side with the HDP in taking the bill to the court. Speaking in the southeastern province of Siirt on Sunday, Baluken criticized the CHP's vote opposing the bill in the second round on Friday, saying there is no political ground for "leftist deputies" in the CHP. Calling on those deputies to join the HDP, he said: "You can come and knock on the HDP's door on Monday with your conscience and your signatures."

According to a report in Habertürk, CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu sent a stern message to party members who have leaned toward collaborating with the HDP and taking the lifting of immunities to the Constitutional Court.