Detained Syriacs: Village Head Jozef Yar Released, Priest Bileçen Still Under Arrest

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A village head in the southeastern Mardin has been released on probation after being detained as part of a "terrorism-related" investigation.

Three Syriacs, priest Sefer (Aho) Bileçen, Üçköy (Arkah) village head Jozef Yar and Musa Taştekin were detained on January 9. A total of 12 people were detained during house raids in the villages of Eskihisar, Üçköy and Üçyol in Nusaybin district.

Along with Jozef Yar, Mahmut Başak, Diljin Dinç, Mehmet Nuri Kılıç, Rıdvan Ertan, Sait Tatlı and Yusuf Kılıç were also released by the Penal Court of Peace after giving statements.

Mor Yakup Church priest Bileçen was remanded in custody for "aiding and abetting a terrorist organization" over the allegation that he "gave food to a Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) member." Musa Taştekin, who has returned to Turkey after living abroad for years, was released on probation. (HA/VK)