Prosecutor Objects to Release Verdict for Demirtaş

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Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has objected the release verdict for Selahattin Demirtaş, the former co-chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).

Ankara 19th Heavy Penal Court yesterday (September 2) ruled for the release of Demirtaş. However, the politician will continue to stay behind bars as he was sentenced to 4 years and 8 months in prison in another case. His lawyer told bianet that they may apply for a release on probation.

"I am in prison for now because I am convicted. I hope the best for a fair trial," Demirtaş said after the verdict.

CLICK - Release Verdict for Former HDP Co-Chair Demirtaş

The prosecutor's office-based its objection on two grounds; that he is on trial for crimes against the constitutional order which allows arrest measure in case of strong criminal suspicion, and that the arrest is a "reasonable measure considering the number of sentences given over the allegation of membership of a terrorist organization," the Mezopotamya agency reported.

A higher court will examine the objection. (AS/VK)