Academic Released by Prosecution Brought to Repatriation Center

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Bilgi University, Department of Mathematics academic member Chris Stephenson detained at the courthouse where he went to support his colleagues has been released following his testimony was taken. Stephenson has been brought to Kumkapı Repatriation Center.

Despite prosecution’s decision of release, police haven’t let Stephenson leave. Stephenson has been taken to Kumkapı Repatriation Center by police.

Stephenson taken into hospital for physical examination is expected to be brought back to the center. Number of people coming to Kumkapı for support is growing.

Attorney İlkay Bahçetepe speaking to bianet has said that since Stephenson is not a citizen of Turkey, he will be kept under administrative detention until a decision is issued by the Governorship as to deportation of Stephenson.

He has been detained whilst going to support those in custody

Bilgi University academic member, Chris Stephenson was 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. Stephen was brought to court in the morning of March 16.

Attorney of the academic too is in custody

Stephenson spent the last night at the security station and brought to court this morning. His lawyer Ramazan Demir who was planned to be with Stephenson during his testimony was taken into custody as well this morning.

Demir is one of the eight lawyers from Libertarian Jurists Association who were taken into custody following raid on the houses. (BK/TK)

* Photo and video: Mahmut Çınar