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Turkey's ruling party opposes release of opposition MP

Türkiye Materials 9 May 2014 09:46 (UTC +04:00)
Turkey's ruling party opposes release of opposition MP
Turkey's ruling party opposes release of opposition MP

Turkey's governing AK Party spokesman Huseyin Celik said on Thursday that they would not support parliament speaker's proposal for a bill that would enable opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) lawmaker Engin Alan to be released from prison Anadolu Agency reported.

Retired army general Engin Alan was found guilty for his part in an alleged plot - referred to as "Ergenekon" - to topple the ruling AK Party, in 2011 and sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Supporting a proposal to bypass the court's decision could harm trust in justice in Turkey said Celik in a press conference held at party's HQ in Ankara.

Celik said that the MHP rejected an earlier government proposal to form a parliamentary committee to deal with the cases of imprisoned MPs.

"However, they are happy with Parliament Speaker's proposals as it concerns their own MP," added Celik.

Comparing the U.S. non governmental organisation, Freedom House with the British Wellington House which issued anti-Turkey propaganda during World War I Celik said: "Freedom House's criticism of Turkey on press freedom is an anti-Turkey propaganda."

Celik noted that the 18 imprisoned Turkish journalists are convicted for terrorist acts.

Touching upon presidential election to be held in August, Celik said that AK Party would not make any alliance with any other political party but with the people of Turkey.

Celik also denied the speculations that PM Erdogan and President Gul have differences over presidential candidacy.

"President Gul and PM Erdogan are not alternative or opposing figures in our party, but complemental to each other," Celik said.

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