ISTANBUL - Stating that the revoking Can Atalay's mandate was a "civilian coup", his lawyer Kemal Aytaç said: "There is no despair, continue the struggle. We must take to the streets now. The democratic struggle is on the streets."

 

The 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Appeals did not recognize the two violation decisions given by the Constitutional Court (AYM) against Turkey Workers' Party (TIP) Deputy Can Atalay, who held in prison. The Supreme Court decided that the violation decision "has no legal value" and that the Constitutional Court decision must not be complied with. The decision in question was read in the Parliament yesterday and Atalay's mandate is revoked. Atalay's lawyer, Kemal Aytaş, evaluated the decision that caused reactions.

 

 

Atalay's lawyer, Kemal Aytaş

 

'CIVIL COUP'

 

Stating that the decision was "one of the disgraceful decisions taken by the Parliament", Lawyer Aytaç said: "Despite the decisions of the Constitutional Court, the revoking the mandate of a member of parliament elected by the votes of the people is also self-denial. Accepting this is an attitude against democracy, law and the Constitution. There is no other explanation for this. The decisions of the Constitutional Court are clear and its about everyone. This is a situation that emerged as a civilian coup.” 

 

Aytaç said: "I think President Tayyip Erdoğan and his circle saw Can Atalay's coming to the Parliament as a victory for Gezi. That's why Atalay was given special manner and they revealed this situation by going against the law. The Gezi Case was acquitted twice. However, they revived the case and opened it again. They made this decision with special and appointed judges. Their aim was to convict Gezi. I think Erdoğan has a special grudge and hostility towards Selahattin Demirtaş and Osman Kavala.”

 

'NO DESPAIR, CONTINUE THE FIGHT'

 

Aytaç said: "There is no despair, continue the struggle," and stated that the government is trying to silence the people. Pointing out that the real issue is not Atalay, Aytaç said: "The issue is a matter of democracy in a country. They are trying to intimidate us. But we will not surrender to this. We will raise our voices and take actions."

 

 Stating that they will continue their legal initiatives, Aytaç said: "But we see that they do not actually implement the court decisions. That is why we should not just wait for the court decisions. We need to fight and put pressure both in the national and international arena."

Stating that all segments of the society should join their forces and stand upright, Aytaç said: "We must take to the streets now. Because democracy emerges on the streets. The democratic struggle is waged on the streets. It is not possible to gain rights or make progress without taking to the streets. Therefore, it is necessary to create public pressure that will force the more massive and effective government to step back.”