The HDP released a statement shortly after Erdoğan’s remarks, saying Demirtaş is the “will of millions and the party’s co-chair. He is not a terrorist.”

“He is a lawmaker. He is an honorable person who was a candidate for the presidency. He won a place in the hearts and minds of the peoples living in Turkey with his struggle and ideas. He is a person and politician who became a symbol of hope,” the HDP statement read on July 8.