Former HDP lawmaker Önder surrenders to security forces

Former Peoples’ Democratic Party's (HDP) lawmaker Sırrı Süreyya Önder turned himself in after his jail term was upheld by the Istanbul regional court's 2nd penal chamber.

Önder, who was formerly an Ankara MP, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for “spreading terrorist propaganda.” He will serve his sentence at the Kandıra prison.

Before entering the prison, Önder told reporters waiting outside: “I stand behind everything I have done. Greetings to all friends. Peace and democracy will be victorious.”

Around a dozen HDP lawmakers are currently in prison pending trial for terrorism-related offenses after their parliamentary immunity was lifted in May 2016.

Turkey's government has accused the HDP of having links to the PKK.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children.