MHP head Bahçeli calls for closure of HDP over ties to PKK

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli on Thursday called for the closure of Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) over ties to the bloody-minded PKK terror group.
A Turkish prosecutor filed a case with the constitutional court on Wednesday demanding a ban on the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) over organic links to PKK terror group.
"The HDP is a criminal organization in a political guise. Its closure, without it being allowed to reopen under another name, is a duty of honor to history, justice, our nation, and our coming generations," Devlet Bahçeli said at his party's 13th Ordinary Grand Congress in the capital Ankara.
His remarks came a day after Turkey's top prosecutor filed an indictment seeking dissolution of the HDP, calling it an undemocratic party that colludes with the PKK terrorist group and seeks to destroy the unity of the state.
Bahçeli said the indictment filed by the top prosecutor was "the voice of law and justice."
"This development has put the minds of our entire nation at rest," he said.
"The HDP is the PKK; a murderer and a death trap for innocent children, youth, and women."
The move follows growing calls by Turkish political leaders for the HDP to be officially closed down. In recent years, more and more HDP executives and elected officials have been charged with terrorism-related offenses.
Turkish leaders have long argued that the HDP is little more than a front for the terrorist PKK.
In Turkey, the closure of political parties is decided by the Constitutional Court, based on an indictment filed by the Supreme Court Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Instead of permanent dissolution, the 15-member Constitutional Court may decide to partially or completely cut off state aid to the party, depending on the severity of the acts in question.
In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK-listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU-has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

'NO SNAP POLLS'

The MHP leader also brushed aside rumors of possible snap elections in Turkey.
"The elections will be held on time [in 2023]. Turkey will not deviate from this route," Bahçeli said.
He reaffirmed that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will be their presidential candidate for the 2023 polls.
The MHP cooperates with the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party under their People's Alliance, formed ahead of the June 2018 general elections.
The AK Party has also consistently denied rumors of early elections in the country.