Can Atalay, who was elected as Hatay Deputy from the Turkish Workers' Party (TİP), announced that he completed the 24-hour hunger strike that he started on October 1.
Atalay thanked those who supported him in his message published on October 2.
“I AM ENDING THE 24-HOUR HUNGER STRIKE”
Atalay used the following statements in his statement:
“I am ending my 24-hour hunger strike on the occasion of the beginning of the new legislative year of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, in order to make the unheard voice of the workers, the poor, all our people, those who are hungry for justice heard, to comply with the Constitution, to implement the decisions of the Constitutional Court, and to remove the obstacle to me doing my duty.
I would like to thank all our citizens who supported my action by adding their voice to me, raising the demand for justice and expressing their support. I respectfully commemorate the mine workers who lost their lives in Soma yesterday and offer my condolences to their families. “I extend my best wishes to the injured workers.”
WHY DID HE START A HUNGER STRIKE?
Atalay started a 24-hour hunger strike on October 1, when the 28th Term and 5th Legislative Year of the Turkish Grand National Assembly began.
He explained the reason for the action as Hatay's right to representation, the implementation of the Constitutional Court decisions and the removal of obstacles to his ability to fulfill his duty as a member of parliament.
The following statements were made in the statement made on TİP's social media account:
"Today, when the Turkish Grand National Assembly was opened and the new legislative period began, our Elected Hatay Deputy Can Atalay started a 24-hour hunger strike to defend the usurped right of representation of the Hatay people and to make the unheard voice of the workers and the poor heard. We will win our rights, our country and our future together."
“THE BLADE IS NOW DONE”
Atalay, in his statement while starting the protest, stated that he would not remain silent about what happened and said the following:
"I will not remain silent. The people of Hatay chose me to speak on their behalf and hold them accountable. I will not give up that duty. It is now at a dead end."
WHAT HAPPENED?
Atalay was sentenced to 18 years in prison in the Gezi Park case, and while he was in prison, he was elected as Hatay Deputy from TİP in the elections of May 14, 2023.
The Constitutional Court later ruled that Atalay's right to be elected and engage in political activity and his right to personal liberty and security were violated.
Atalay's membership in parliament was revoked after the Supreme Court decision was read in the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly on January 30, 2024. In its later decision, the Constitutional Court stated that the action to reduce the membership of the parliament was contrary to the relevant provisions of Article 84 of the Constitution and therefore the action in question was "null and void".
When Atalay started his hunger strike, he demanded the implementation of the Constitutional Court decisions and the removal of the obstacle preventing him from fulfilling his duty as a member of parliament.
