Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated newly elected leader of Kurdish Peace and Democracy party Selahattin Demirtas. “I congratulate you on your election as party’s leader and wish your congress to contribute to the promotion of democracy in Turkey,” Erdogan said.

NEWS.am reports, that Turkish prosecutor’s office launched investigation on Feb.1 founding congress of a pro-Kurdish party. The criminal case also includes charges with “suspension of people from the military” and “actions conflicting with the political parties’ spirit.” Under the investigation, security services were asked to provide videos of their party congress.

During the Peace and Democracy party congress the Turkish anthem was not played. Besides, Kurdistan Workers’ Party leader Abdullah Ocalan as well as other leaders were praised. Former and incumbent part leaders sharply criticized Turkish authorities and blamed them for speculations in Kurdish issue and pressure on Kurds.