New Party deputy Enginyurt criticizes 'yes' vote on solidarity law: 'This is called giving a plaque to a terrorist'

A new framework law aimed at strengthening national solidarity and social cohesion has cleared a significant hurdle in Turkey's Parliament, passing the Justice Commission. The bill is slated for debate in the Grand National Assembly on Monday.

The legislation garnered support from a broad spectrum of parties, including the ruling AKP and its ally MHP, as well as opposition groups like the DEM Party and CHP. Notably, some deputies from the Yeni Yol Group and the NEW Party also cast 'yes' votes.

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There is good in saying no.

However, the consensus was broken by Cemal Enginyurt, a deputy from the NEW Party. He took to social media to voice his strong dissent, declaring "There is good in saying no." Enginyurt argued that while peace and brotherhood are desirable, the current political climate is destroying democracy. He criticized the lack of political space for the opposition and ongoing arrests, asserting that the bill opens political avenues for terrorists. Enginyurt specifically cited the request for a prosecutor's investigation into a Member of Parliament for speech delivered at the parliamentary podium, suggesting it signals a path into parliament for individuals linked to the PKK. He concluded by stating this situation cannot be called a "Turkey without terrorism" but rather "giving a plaque to a terrorist."

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No one opposes peace. Brotherhood is complete. But democracy is being destroyed. There is no politics for the opposition, arrests continue. The path to politics is being opened for terrorists. The Chief Prosecutor is requesting an investigation for a Member of Parliament for his speech from the parliamentary podium. A path to parliament is visible for PKK members. This is not called Turkey without terrorism. It is called giving a plaque to a terrorist. There is good in saying NO.