Will Erdogan release his biggest Kurdish rival from jail?

DW
DW 3M Turkey
Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas remains imprisoned, but recent court rulings may lead to his release, igniting hope among supporters for Kurdish political representation.
Will Erdogan release his biggest Kurdish rival from jail?
Why it matters
Selahattin Demirtas, leader of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), has been jailed since 2016, facing a 42-year sentence for alleged ties to a terrorist organization. His imprisonment has drawn international condemnation, particularly from the European Court of Human Rights, which has deemed his trial unlawful. Recently, Turkish President Erdogan indicated a willingness to comply with the court's ruling, sparking hope among Demirtas' supporters for his release. Demirtas has been a significant figure in Turkish politics, known for his ability to unite diverse voter bases. His potential return could influence ongoing peace negotiations between the Turkish government and Kurdish groups, especially as the PKK has shown signs of rapprochement. However, the future remains uncertain as Erdogan may prefer negotiating with other figures over Demirtas.
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World & Politics Governance Conflicts

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