ANKARA - The Constitutional Court has given one-month additional period to lawyers of the Democratic People's Party (DEHAP) to prepare their defense about merits of the case filed on charges of becoming the focal point of actions against inseparable unity of the state with its country and people.
Constitutional Court Deputy Chief Judge Hasim Kilic announced on Tuesday their decision about request of DEHAP lawyers for additional period.
Kilic said that the lawyers were given one-month additional period to prepare their defense about merits of the case.
At the end of this period, the Constitutional Court delegation will listen to verbal defense of DEHAP directors and verbal statement of Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Prosecutor Nuri Ok.
Later, the file of the case will be given to a rapporteur.
After the rapporteur carried out necessary works, the Constitutional Court will take a decision.
Former Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Prosecutor Sabih Kanadoglu filed his first lawsuit against DEHAP on March 13, 2003 on charges of ''becoming focal point of actions against principles of democratic republic, equality and rule of law''. The second lawsuit was filed on April 29, 2003 on charges of ''having connection with the terrorist organization of PKK/KADEK and, as a result, becoming focal point of actions against inseparable unity of the state with its country and people.'' Kanadoglu requested the Constitution Court to close down the political party.
The court has been debating the two cases together.
(UK-AY) 20.01.2004