There are some hopes that Demirtaş may be released

Well, it depends on one and only person…

Selahattin Demirtaş, former Co-Chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), has faced multiple trials and legal challenges since his arrest in November 2016. The most significant trial, known as the Kobani case, resulted in a severe sentence of 42 years in prison in May 2024. This trial involved accusations related to the 2014 Kobani protests, including charges such as “disrupting the unity and territorial integrity of the state,” attempted killings, and terrorism-related offenses. Demirtaş has also been sentenced in other cases, including a 4 years and 8 months sentence by the Istanbul 26th High Criminal Court for making propaganda for a terrorist organization.

Importantly, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled three times (in 2018, 2020, and most recently in July 2025) that Demirtaş’s detention was politically motivated and violated his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, ordering his release. However, Turkey has not complied with these rulings and has appealed the latest 2025 decision, delaying implementation. The appeal period for this last ruling expired on October 8, 2025, and if Turkey does not appeal further, the ruling becomes final, potentially allowing for his release, though this is not guaranteed.

Demirtaş’s detention has been widely criticized for violating his freedom of expression, right to liberty and security, and right to stand for election. Despite court rulings, he remains imprisoned, with ongoing legal and political developments around his case.

• Arrested November 2016, detained since then.

• Sentenced 42 years in May 2024 in Kobani trial.

• Sentenced 4 years 8 months for terrorism propaganda (2018).

• ECHR ruled multiple violations of rights (2018, 2020, 2025).

• Turkey appealed last ECHR ruling (July 2025), appeal window closed October 8, 2025.

• Possible release if no further appeal, but uncertain.