Academic for Peace Serdar Başçetin Acquitted

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In his first hearing held today (March 29) at Antalya 10th Heavy Penal Court, the Academic for Peace Serdar Başçetin, who was detained and arrested on February 13, 2018 due to his social media posts, have been acquitted.

Başçetin was discharged from his post at Erzincan University, where he worked as a research assistant, by a Statutory Decree. On February 13, 2018, he was taken into custody after a house raid, his period of detention was prolonged and he was arrested on February 20.

The Prosecutor's Office demanded that Başçetin be acquitted of the charge of "propaganda" filed due to his social media posts about Nuriye Gülmen and Semih Özakça and that a judgement be delivered for the charges of "inciting the public to enmity and hatred or indignity" filed due to his posts about Afrin operation. The Office ruled that Başçetin shall be acquitted considering the time he has served in prison. (BK/SD)