Lawyer explains: Critical date approaching for Demirtaş's release

The ECHR issued a new violation ruling for Selahattin Demirtaş on July 8, 2025. Demirtaş, who has been in prison since 2016, was sentenced to 42 years in prison in the Kobani case. Following this decision, his lawyers argued that the convictions had become invalid.

The DEM Party filed a release application for Demirtaş and other Kobani detainees to the Ankara 22nd High Criminal Court on July 11, but this request was rejected on July 18. The court stated that the ECHR ruling had not yet become final and that Demirtaş remained in custody due to his conviction.

Lawyer Mahsuni Karaman stated in a post on the social media platform X that the government could appeal the ECHR ruling within three months and that this period would expire on October 8, 2025. Karaman indicated that this date would determine whether the ruling becomes final and whether Demirtaş will be released.

Karaman recalled that the ECHR had previously issued three separate violation rulings regarding Demirtaş and drew attention to the calls from the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for Demirtaş's release. Appeals against ECHR rulings are first evaluated by a five-member panel, and if the panel finds the appeal serious, the file is sent to the Grand Chamber.

Karaman noted that the ruling regarding Demirtaş also applies to other politicians who received convictions in the Kobani case. He stated that the Kobani file was sent to the 22nd Criminal Chamber of the Ankara Regional Court of Justice as of September 24 and that the appellate process must be operated rapidly. He added that the government not appealing the ECHR ruling would be an important step for the credibility of the peace process.

News Source: 12punto