Mehmet Altan’s Request for Release Rejected Again

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Journalist Mehmet Altan’s request for release has been rejected by İstanbul 27th Heavy Penal Court.

Mehmet Altan’s lawyers’ release application to İstanbul 26th Heavy Penal Court in the wake of Constitutional Court’s decision to release journalist Mehmet Altan on the ground that right violation occurred was rejected as well.

The penal court ruled continuation of Altan’s arrest.

What happened?

The Constitutional Court (AYM) ruled that rights of imprisoned journalists Şahin Alpay, Mehmet Altan and Turhan Günay who were released following a detention of nine months were violated and ruled for Altan and Alpay to be released.

13th Heavy Penal Court ruled continuation of arrest of Şahin Alpay and 26th Heavy Penal Court ruled continuation of arrest of Mehmet Altan on January 11, Thursday.

Şahin Alpay’s lawyers appealed to the local court on January 12, Friday but the claim was overruled by the court stating that “the AYM has exceeded its authority”.

Şahin Alpay was detained in the first detention wave on July 27, 2016 following the July 15 coup attempt. He was arrested since then.

Mehmet Altan was detained in the first detention wave on July 27, 2016 and arrested on September 22.

Alpay was jailed pending trial in Zaman case and Altan was jailed pending trial in the coup attempt media case. (EKN/TK)