AP
Murat Bozlak

The head of Turkey's only pro-Kurdish political party has appeared in Turkey's highest court to counter state efforts to close the party.

People's Democracy Party chief Murat Bozlak denied the charge by Turkish prosecutors that the party, also known as HADEP, is a front and propaganda tool of the outlawed the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.

Mr. Bozlak told the Constitutional Court in Ankara that HADEP is a national political party - not a Kurdish group with separatist aspirations.

He was optimistic after the closed session, telling reporters he believes the court's ruling will be in favor of HADEP. The court in January heard arguments from Turkey's chief prosecutor, who accused HADEP of activities aimed at harming Turkish unity.

The case began three years ago.

On Thursday, the European Parliament in Strasbourg urged Turkey not to close the party.

Turkey shut down three Kurdish parties that preceded HADEP on grounds they supported the PKK's 15 year armed struggle in the mainly Kurdish southeast. The PKK declared a unilateral ceasefire in 1999, but Turkey rejected it and sporadic fighting continues.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.

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