CHP MP Eren Erdem Arrested

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İstanbul MP of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Eren Erdem, who was not nominated as MP candidate at the 27th term presidential election on June 24 and was taken into custody in Ankara today (June 29), was referred to the İstanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan.

Erdem, who was taken to İstanbul early this morning, appeared before judge at the İstanbul 35th Heavy Penal Court. At the hearing of Erdem, which was also watched by several MPs of the CHP, the attorney Onur Cıngıl made his defence regarding the case.

Eren Erdem was arrested after the defence of his attorney.

"I am being tried due to the lies of A Haber"

In his statement of defence, Eren Erdem said,

"Though I previously proved at the court that I did not make the statement, 'If Turkey and Iran go to war, I will side with Iran', they are still telling the same lie. Using this lie on purpose is a sign of malicious intention. I did not post such a tweet, which was also confirmed by the court.

"I have been acquitted of the case of Sarin Gas, over which the media sparked such a big storm. But, they are acting as if I am still being tried at that case. If one penny was given to the Karşı newspaper by the FETÖ [Fethullahist Terrorist Organization, which is held responsible for the failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016], condemn me to death. I am being tried due to the lies of the [pro-government] A Haber news channel."

What happened?

A lawsuit was filed against Eren Erdem at İstanbul 35th Heavy Penal Court due to his works at Karşı newspaper, of which Erdem was the chief editor.

Erdem faces a prison sentence of 9.5 years to 22 years on charges of "knowingly and willingly aiding an armed terrorist organization as a non-member", "revealing the identity of an anonymous witness" and "violating the confidentiality of the investigation."

It was previously ruled that the first hearing of Erdem be held at 10 a.m. on September 19, 2018.

After the indictment of the case was accepted by the court, Eren Erdem could not go to Germany on May 21 due to the international travel ban imposed on him. (EKN/HK/SD)