Turkey’s VP: Courts, Not Politicians, to Decide if Demirtaş Benefits from New Law

Turkey’s Vice President, Cevdet Yılmaz, has weighed in on a heated debate over a new “framework law,” stating that the courts—not the government—will decide who qualifies for its provisions. His comments come amid speculation over whether the law could apply to Selahattin Demirtaş, the imprisoned former co-leader of the pro-Kurdish HDP party. Speaking to reporters, Yılmaz said the law’s application is a legal matter. “It will be up to the judicial authorities to assess who benefits and how,” he explained. The framework law, currently under discussion, has drawn attention because of its potential scope, but Yılmaz stressed that no political figure would make that call. Demirtaş has been held in prison since 2016 on charges widely seen by critics as politically motivated. The new law, which aims to introduce certain legal adjustments, has sparked questions about whether it might affect his case. Yılmaz’s remarks are the first clear signal that the government intends to keep the decision strictly in judicial hands. The vice president did not comment on the specifics of Demirtaş’s situation, nor did he suggest any outcome. His statement appears designed to cool political tensions while reinforcing the separation of powers. Analysts note that the final interpretation of the law could still become a flashpoint in Turkey’s polarized political climate.