HÜDA PAR criticizes arrest of Mehmet Arslan over comments on Kemalism

Following the visit, the party issued a statement condemning the arrest, describing it as an infringement on freedom of expression.

In a message shared on social media, HÜDA PAR’s Human Rights and Legal Affairs Directorate stated: “Dr. Mehmet Arslan, who expressed his views on Kemalism under his right to freedom of expression, has been unlawfully detained. Today, a delegation from our legal commission visited him. His detention under charges of ‘Publicly Insulting the Memory of Atatürk,’ based on Law No. 5816, is legally indefensible. We will continue to support Dr. Arslan and challenge this injustice through all available legal avenues.”

The statement further criticized the use of Law No. 5816, known as the “Law on the Protection of Atatürk,” claiming it has evolved into a law that primarily serves to shield “Atatürkists.” “It is inappropriate to impose one political figure as representative of Türkiye’s diverse society,” HÜDA PAR argued. “Law No. 5816, once debated and still contentious, is now used as a tool by Kemalists against citizens with differing views, restricting freedom of expression and fostering polarization in Turkish society.”

HÜDA PAR called for an end to Dr. Arslan’s detention, asserting that the continued use of the law is “polarizing Türkiye” and undermining democratic freedoms. They urged the authorities to prevent the intensification of these divisions by ending Dr. Arslan’s “unjust detention” and upholding freedom of expression. (ILKHA)