Yesterday a Turkish court sentenced the main opposition CHP (Republican People's Party) member of parliament Enis Berberoğlu to 25 years in prison. The CHP is a sister party of the S&D Group.
S&D MEP Kati Piri, the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on Turkey, said:
"The verdict against CHP MP Enis Berberoğlu is shocking and is an example of the current flawed rule of law in Turkey; a well respected, democratically elected parliamentarian can get a 25-year long prison sentence without a fair trial.
“The S&D Group strongly condemns the politically motivated arrest of our colleague Berberoğlu.
“These verdicts are meant as warning signals that no one can escape from prosecution. They are meant to increase fear in society with those who are not in line with the government’s policies.
“The March for Justice, which was initiated by the Turkish main opposition leader Kılıçdaroğlu today, gives a clear sign that they will not stand being intimidated.
“The message the S&D Group would like to convey is that you are not alone in your struggle! We continue to stand in solidarity with all those in Turkey who believe in the values of a liberal democracy and respect for the rule of law; many of whom are now being targeted and persecuted.”
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