Scandal erupted during the first trial against Kurdistan Communities Union in the Turkish city of Diyarbakir.

Bayram Altun, a former Deputy Chairman of the dissolved Democratic Society Party, tried to utter defense speech in Kurdish, Hurriyet reported. He was opposed by court chairman Yilmaz who stated that probably an attempt to organize defense in a non-existing language is made. He demanded that microphone should be taken from the defendant.      

One of the defendants Ramazan Markoc addressed the judge in Turkish and Kurdish saying, “Do not say that Kurdish is non-existing language. You are insulting the language of the Kurdish people.” The judge ordered Markoc to leave the court room, while other defendants stood up trying to leave the room as well. Finally, the judge had to adjourn the meeting.

The trial of 150 Kurdish politicians, who are accused of having links with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party started in Turkey.  Hearings are held in the city of Diyarbakir.