Arrested over Boğaziçi protests, one student released

_{* Photo: Dilek Şen / bianet}

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Murat Can Demirci, one of the students arrested for joining the protests against the appointed rector of Boğaziçi University, has been released.

As reported by ANKA news agency, the İstanbul 9th Penal Judgeship of Peace examined the appeal of Demirci's attorneys against his arrest and ruled that he should be released on probation.

What happened?

Since President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appointed Prof. Melih Bulu as a rector to Boğaziçi University with a decree dated January 2, the protests against this appointment have been continuing for over two months now.

During one of these protests in İstanbul's Kadıköy district on February 4, five students were first taken into custody by the police, then referred to the court to be arrested in the evening of February 6.

Appearing before the judge with a request for their arrest, Murat Can Demirci, Necmettin Erdem, Akın Karakuş and Ömer Şengel were arrested.

With the recent release of Murat Can Demirci, there are still eight people behind bars on charges of "provoking the public to hatred and hostility" and "resisting to prevent fulfilment of duty."

At least 27 people are under house arrest.

CLICK - Student under house arrest: 'They turn our house into prison'

(EKN/SD)