Today's Zaman Reporter Zeynalov Deported

Mahir Zeynalov, an Azerbaijan national who worked at Today’s Zaman newspaper for 4 years, have been deported after facing prosecution related to a tweet. He is also married for 15 months with a citizen of Turkey. 

According to Zaman newspaper, PM Recep Tayip Erdoğan filed a complaint against Zeynalov for “defamation and inciting public to hatred”. 

“Last week he submitted his statement to the authorities,” the newspaper said. 

The aforementioned tweet was as follows: Turkish prosecutors order police to arrest al-Qaeda affiliates, Erdoğan’s appointed police chiefs refuse to comply.

The deportation order was issued according to Article 8 and 19 of Law 5683 on Residence and Travel of Aliens in Turkey. 

Reason for deportation 

According to the law, Zeynalov has been deported for the following reason:

“Aliens who are considered as threat to public security, or commit political and administrative violations, are invited to leave the country. Those who don’t comply to the invitation might face deportation.” 

“Signed by Vice Police Chief Ali Baştürk on behalf of Interior Ministry, an order has been made for the deportation and entry ban for Zeynalov for ‘tweeting against important state persons’” Zaman newspaper said. (EA/BM)