Can Atalay, held at Marmara Prison, announced on 2 October that he had ended the 24-hour hunger strike he began on 1 October 2026, the first day of Parliament’s new legislative year. Atalay said his action aimed to draw attention to the usurpation of Hatay residents’ right to representation and to voice the demand for justice. Calling for solidarity, Atalay thanked citizens who supported him after the strike. Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court sentenced Atalay to 18 years in prison in the Gezi Park case on 25 April 2022. Although he was elected TİP MP for Hatay on 14 May 2023, he was not released. On 25 October 2023, the Constitutional Court ruled that Atalay’s right to be elected and engage in political activity and his right to liberty and security had been violated, and sent its decision to the local court for retrial and release. The local court sent the file to the Court of Cassation. On 8 November 2023, the Court of Cassation 3rd Criminal Chamber rejected the Constitutional Court’s violation ruling.
1 October 2026
BBC News Türkçe