Fırat Akdeniz from Human Rights Association sentenced to 6 years in prison

* Photo: Evrensel

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Education and Science Laborers' Union (Eğitim-Sen) and Human Rights Association (İHD) Diyarbakır Branch member Fırat Akdeniz had his final hearing in the trial where he was charged with "membership of an [illegal / terrorist] organization". He has been sentenced to prison.

The hearing was held at the Diyarbakır 11th High Criminal Court. As reported by Mezopotamya Agency (MA), Akdeniz did not attend the hearing. Reiterating its opinion as to the accusations, the prosecutor's office requested that Akdeniz be penalized for "organization membership".

Speaking as to the prosecutor's final opinion, lawyer Lütfullah Yalçın said that 17 press statements, condolences and anonymous witness statements were cited as criminal evidence against Akdeniz.

Yalçın recalled that during a press statement he attended in 2019, police officers tortured his client and he filed a criminal complaint.

Noting that the current lawsuit was filed right after he had filed a criminal complaint against the police officers, lawyer Yalçın said, "The Ministry of Interior inspectors have launched an inquiry against the police officers. There is a desire to take revenge on the incident with this case".

İHD Diyarbakır Branch Chair and lawyer Abdullah Zeytun also said that some of the press statements cited as criminal evidence against Fırat Akdeniz were organized by the Eğitim-Sen union, of which Akdeniz is a member. Zeytun noted that democratic works and activities could not be a ground for accusation. He requested the acquittal of Fırat Akdeniz.

Following the recess, the court handed down its ruling and sentenced Akdeniz to 6 years, 3 months in prison. (RT/SD)