Selahattin Demirtaş

Selahattin Demirtaş, born on April tenth, nineteen seventy-three, is a prominent Kurdish politician, lawyer, and author. He served as the co-leader of the left-wing pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) alongside Figen Yüksekdağ from two thousand fourteen until two thousand eighteen. His political journey has been marked by significant electoral participation and a commitment to advocating for Kurdish rights in Turkey.

Demirtaş made history as the HDP's presidential candidate in the two thousand fourteen elections, where he secured third place. His leadership was instrumental in the party achieving thirteen point one percent of the vote in the June two thousand fifteen parliamentary elections and ten point seven percent in the snap elections later that year, finishing fourth in both contests. Despite facing numerous challenges, including imprisonment, he remained a pivotal figure in Turkish politics.

Since November fourth, two thousand sixteen, Demirtaş has been incarcerated, yet his influence has not waned. The HDP nominated him as their candidate for the two thousand eighteen presidential election, allowing him to run his campaign from behind bars. His situation drew international attention, culminating in a December two thousand twenty judgment from the European Court of Human Rights, which highlighted the political motivations behind his prolonged detention.

In the wake of the May two thousand twenty-three elections, Demirtaş announced his departure from politics, marking a significant transition in his career. His legacy as a champion for Kurdish rights and a vocal critic of the Turkish government continues to resonate within the political landscape.