Journalist Dara Detained for Crossing Legs in Front of Governor

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Yüksekova News Managing Editor, Zeki Dara has been taken into custody for crossing his legs in front of Hakkari Governor Yakup Canbolat at the holy birth week organized by Hakkari Provincial Office of Mufti.

Dara speaking to bianet has stated that the journalists cannot properly do their job since the clashes started throughout the region.

Dara explained the developments as follows:

Knee surgery three years ago

“When I was with a friend yesterday, I decided to track the event with the hope of coming up with an article.

“Religious Affairs Vice President, Abdurrahman Candan spoke on tolerance for an hour.

“Since I underwent a surgery in my knee three years ago, it starts to hurt when I stay standing, that’s why I just sat an available spot.

“I took out my phone to check order of the day”.

“Quran is being read”, “There is Governor here”

“At that time I involuntarily crossed my legs. One of the Governor’s guards came by me and reacted as ‘How dare you cross your legs in front of the Governor?’, ‘How do you sit like that while Quran is being read’.

“Afterwards, four more guards came by my and chucked me out of the hall. Meanwhile they were closing my mouth and fiercely compressing my arms.

“At this moment, I didn’t see but some friends told that the Governor gave direct order to have me detained”.

Instruction of “taking to the police station”

“They checked my press card after taking me out of the hall. I have five-six different cards as I work at different places.

“At that point, an instruction came on radio to ‘take me to the police station’.

“They took me to the station by armored vehicle. I thought I would be battered in the vehicle but it didn’t happen.

“I didn’t face anything negative at the station either. I have been released after they took my statement down”. (EKN/TK)