Turkey takes step towards prosecuting Kurdish MPsNovember 27, 2012 - 21:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey took a step towards prosecuting Kurdish deputies accused of militant ties on Tuesday, Nov 27, by seeking an end to their immunity, a move which could weaken Kurdish representation in parliament and fuel tension in the southeast, Reuters reported. Ten Kurdish MPs were accused of militant links after they were filmed in August embracing Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels, rifles slung over their shoulders, in images which provoked public outrage. Turkey has been battling PKK militants near its southeastern borders with Iran, Iraq and Syria since they took up arms almost three decades ago to push for autonomy, in a conflict that has killed more than 40,000 people, mostly PKK members. The PKK is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union. Kurdish members of parliament have been the subject of frequent investigations, accused of links to the militants, but are protected from prosecution while they are in office, unless the assembly votes otherwise. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |