In a growing outcry against what many are calling a grave injustice, Members of the European Parliament have urged Turkish authorities to release Can Atalay, a prominent human rights lawyer and elected representative of Hatay, who remains in prison despite being elected to the Turkish Parliament over a year ago.
Atalay, known for his work defending political prisoners, journalists, and victims of work accidents, has been imprisoned since 2022 following the highly controversial “Gezi Park Trials.” Despite his election in Türkiye’s 2023 General Elections and the issuance of a parliamentary mandate, he has been unable to take office or claim parliamentary immunity, as authorities continue to hold him behind bars.
The Turkish Constitutional Court has twice ruled that Atalay’s rights were violated and ordered his release for a retrial. However, these rulings have been ignored by the Turkish government, leaving the MP still imprisoned. In January 2024, his seat in Parliament was revoked, only for the Constitutional Court to declare this decision invalid, reaffirming that Atalay should be allowed to serve his constituents.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, European lawmakers expressed their deep concerns over the breach of fundamental democratic rights. “The ongoing detention of Can Atalay not only violates the rights of an elected MP but also disregards the democratic will of the people of Hatay,” the letter states. The province of Hatay has been severely affected by devastating earthquakes, and Atalay’s absence in Parliament denies its people crucial representation in their time of need.
The MEPs condemned Türkiye’s refusal to honor its own court’s rulings, describing it as a serious blow to the rule of law. “We call on you to respect the decisions of the Constitutional Court, release Mr. Atalay, and allow him to take his rightful place in Parliament,” the letter continues, stressing that this case reflects larger concerns about democratic freedoms and the rule of law in the country.
Among the signatories are several prominent European lawmakers, including Özlem Alev Demirel of Germany, Marco Tarquinio of Italy, and Leila Chaibi of France. The letter highlights the international attention this case has garnered and calls on Turkish leadership to uphold democratic principles.
Atalay’s continued imprisonment has raised questions about Türkiye’s commitment to the rule of law, with observers noting that this case could have significant implications for the country’s democratic future. The refusal to implement court rulings and allow Atalay to take his seat undermines not only his personal rights but also the rights of the people of Hatay, who are being deprived of their elected representative.
The appeal by European lawmakers adds to mounting pressure on the Turkish government, which is already facing scrutiny over its human rights record. Whether this international plea will lead to Atalay’s release remains to be seen, but the case is being closely watched as a test of Türkiye’s commitment to justice and democratic governance.
Signatories of the letter:
• Özlem Alev Demirel (Germany)
• Marco Tarquinio (Italy)
• Martin Schirdewan (Germany)
• Anthony Smith (France)
• Sebastian Everding (Germany)
• Leila Chaibi (France)
• Jonas Sjöstedt (Sweden)
• Damian Careme (France)
• Catarina Martins (Portugal)
• Irene Montero (Spain)
• Isa Serra (Spain)
Atalay’s supporters maintain hope that international pressure, combined with domestic calls for justice, will lead to his eventual release, though the situation remains unresolved.
