Edirne prison authorities have discontinued a contentious requirement for Selahattin Demirtaş to remove his shoes during lawyer visits, as confirmed by lawyer Ramazan Demir on Thursday.
Held in Edirne F Type Closed Prison, Demirtaş faced this procedure for the first time on Wednesday before a scheduled lawyer visit.
The same day, pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party had voiced opposition to “degrading and unlawful imposition” faced by Demirtaş, indicating a pre-existing discontent with the treatment of political prisoners.
However, public reaction and legal advocacy prompted Turkish officials to quickly reverse their stance. Demir acknowledged the public’s role in reversing the policy, via X (formerly Twitter).
“The unjust shoe removal demand imposed on our client Mr. Selahattin Demirtaş surrounding lawyer meetings has been lifted, thanks to widespread support and awareness. Our thanks to all who showed concern, and Mr. Demirtaş sends his regards,” he detailed.