Academic Detained for Having ‘Newroz Invitation’

Bilgi University academic member, Chris Stephenson has been detained at İstanbul Justice Palace where he came to support his colleagues for carrying HDP’s Newroz invitations in his bag.

Beyza Kural

Academic Detained for Having ‘Newroz Invitation’

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Bilgi University academic member, Chris Stephenson has been taken into custody at İstanbul Justice Palace in Çağlayan where he came to support three academics who were detained because of Academics for Peace/İstanbul group’s declaration.

Stephenson was detained in front of the courthouse at around 9:15 a.m. on charge of having Newroz invitations with signature of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Provincial Presidency.

Stephen who was taken to police station at the courthouse has been brought to İstanbul Security Directorate on Vatan street after the physical examination at Haseki Hospital. (BK/TK)

Newroz

Newroz refers to the celebration of the traditional Iranian new year holiday of Newroz in Kurdish society. In Kurdish legend, the holiday celebrates the deliverance of the Kurds from a tyrant, and it is seen as another way of demonstrating support for the Kurdish cause.

The celebration coincides with the Northward equinox which falls mainly on 21 March and the festival is held usually between 18 and 24 March.