TİP statement on Can Atalay: 'This ruling confirms he is being held as a political prisoner'

The Constitutional Court has issued a second ruling of rights violation regarding imprisoned TİP Hatay MP Can Atalay. 

The statement released on TİP's social media account regarding the ruling is as follows:

"The Constitutional Court has ruled that the 'right to vote, be elected and engage in political activity' and the 'right to personal liberty and security' as well as the 'right to individual application to the Constitutional Court' of our Hatay MP Can Atalay have been violated for the second time, and has ordered his release. The meaning of this ruling is the confirmation that Can Atalay is being held in Silivri Prison as a member of parliament not as a detainee or convict for 221 days, but as a political prisoner.

In accordance with Article 153 of the Constitution, Constitutional Court rulings are binding on the legislative, executive, and judicial organs, administrative authorities, and real and legal persons. At this point, it has once again become clear that there is no legal debate left. The only thing that needs to be done now is to implement the release order and set Can Atalay free.

We once again remind all members of the judiciary, especially the judges of the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court, that the implementation of Constitutional Court rulings is mandatory and that any decision to the contrary will constitute a crime.

The freedom of our MP, who is the will of the people of Hatay, must not be usurped for even one more minute, and Can Atalay must be released immediately."