“The measures taken yesterday against three Members of Parliament of the eoples’ Democratic Party’s (HDP) , including both of its Co-Chairs, further add to the concerns expressed both following the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s adoption last May of a law allowing the immunity of a large number of deputies to be lifted as well as in the wake of ensuing detentions and arrests of several HDP Members of Parliament, including its two Co-Chairs”, – says the statement of the European External Action Service.

“The full and effective participation of all democratically elected political parties in the legislature is an essential element of Turkey’s international commitments and its status as a candidate country.”

“The EU has repeatedly expressed its concern regarding developments which can weaken the rule of law, the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and parliamentary democracy in Turkey.”

“The EU, together with the Council of Europe, continues to follow and assess the situation very closely in the framework of its comprehensive engagement with Turkey.”