LIFTING OF IMMUNITY OF TURKISH PARLIAMENTARIANS

That this House expresses its grave concern at the decision by the Turkish Parliament to approve a bill removing parliamentary immunity from prosecution from elected representatives; is worried that the passing of the Bill, now subject to ratification by President Erdogan, may establish a monopoly of power in the legislature for the AKP party, ending any effective parliamentary opposition and oversight of legislation; notes that over 100 hon. Members, from various parties, face a total of more than 700 pending cases on allegations ranging from supporting terrorism to insulting President Erdogan; further notes that the Bill will disproportionately affect hon. Members from the Peoples' Democratic Party, which has been accused by President Erdogan of being the PKK's political arm, and that the Bill appears to have been drafted so that senior AKP members named in a 2013 corruption probe retain their immunity from prosecution; calls on the government of Turkey to ensure anti-terrorism and other legislation is not misused to criminalise non-violent dissent, including those seeking a peaceful and democratic solution to the continuing conflict in the south east of Turkey; and further calls on the Government to raise concerns about this matter, and growing intolerance of political opposition, public protest, and critical media more generally, with its Turkish counterparts.