Diyarbakır Bar President Demanded 7.5 Years in Prison

A bill of indictment has been issued against Tahir Elçi, Bar President of Diyarbakır, a southeastern province in Turkey. Elçi was accused of “propagandizing illegal organization via media” since he remarked “Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is not a terrorist organization.” Elçi was demanded of being sentenced to 1.5 to 7.5 years in prison.

Public Prosecutor of Bakırköy/İstanbul prepared the indictment and sent it to Bakırköy 2^nd High Criminal Court. The deadline for the indictment to be accepted or rejected ends in 15 days. When it is accepted, Elçi will be put on trial.

Legitimacy discussions over the indictment

The indictment includes views: “There is always a legal and legitimate way to gain the rights. That’s why, resorting to violence is not legitimate. Elçi should know what crime is and what is not as a legal expert. He should have known the consequences as a member of a social institution. 

Objection to international travel ban

One of the Elçi’s lawyers, Baran Doğan, objected to the international travel ban imposed on Tahir Elçi by Bakırköy 1st Criminal Court of Peace.

Lawyer Doğan requested the travel ban to be lifted because his client will participate in a conference of European Council titled “Freedom of Expression and Media in Turkey and Western Balkans" in Brussels on November 3.

What happened?

Public Prosecutor of Bakırköy had launched an investigation against Tahir Elçi when he remarked:

“PKK is an armed political movement even though some of its actions have the characteristics of terrorism. It is a political movement which has been greatly supported and has political demands.”

Bakırköy 2nd Criminal Court of Peace issued a warrant for Elçi’s arrest with allegations of “propagandizing terrorist organization”.

It was claimed that “Elçi hid away and he couldn’t be found in spite of the efforts”.

Tahir Elçi was released on the condition of judicial control after his testimony was taken in the judicature. On the way out of courthouse he said, "What happened here has shown how difficult to discuss this matter in a healthy way" in his statement to bianet. (AS/BD)

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