Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli has called on the Supreme Court once again to shut down the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP).

Reacting to Bahçeli’s suggestion, HDP vice co-chair Ümit Dede said, “Bahçeli is committing a crime against the Constitution by putting pressure on the judiciary”.

In a written statement, Dede said, “Devlet Bahçeli is apparently committing a crime by instructing the Supreme Court of Appeals Prosecutor to shut down the HDP and putting pressure on the judiciary. The Constitution’s 138th article relating to the independence of courts is clear”.

Dede condemned the attempt to intervene in the judgement and asked the courts to fulfill their duty, calling on the Minister of Justice and the parliamentary speaker to take action.

Bahçeli previously criticised the HDP for its role in the 6-8 October Kobani protests and called on the courts to shut down the party.