Başak Demirtaş, the wife of jailed former Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş, was targeted in a coordinated online attack on Monday, involving rape threats. Başak Demirtaş’ lawyers are preparing to launch legal action, accusing the judiciary in Turkey of failing to uphold her human rights.
Speaking to Artı Gerçek, her lawyer, Hadi Cin, confirmed that a criminal complaint would be lodged imminently. The judiciary’s inaction was discriminatory, Cin said. “Despite the inhumane nature of these attacks, prosecutors are not showing the required sensitivity and importance. We are undertaking the task of identifying the perpetrators ourselves.”
The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Women’s Council and various women’s associations extended their support to Başak Demirtaş, and thousands rallied under the hashtag #BaşakDemirtaşYalnızDeğildir (Başak Demirtaş is not alone).
“We are examining all social media accounts that have made these hateful posts since yesterday. Although we have identified some real accounts, there are also many fake ones. Our investigation continues, and we will file a complaint tomorrow,” lawyer Cin said, outlining the scope of the investigation.
Cin reiterated the discriminatory treatment Başak Demirtaş and her family face in legal matters. “There is a serious, institutional bias against Demirtaş and her family. The judiciary is quick to act against them while ignoring their rights,” he stated.
Demirtaş’ husband, Selahattin, is a high-profile figure in the controversial Kobani case in Turkey, in which 108 Kurdish politicians are on trail, including former leaders and central executive committee members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), predecessor of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party).
