Journalist Hüsnü Mahalli Detained

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Yurt daily columnist Hüsnü Mahalli has been detained.

He was taken into custody on charge of defaming state officials via social media, according to state-run Anadolu Agency (AA).

It was stated that some digital materials were seized in Mahalli’s home during raid carried out by İstanbul Organized Crime Control Bureau Directorate.

Republican Peoples’ Party (CHP) MP Barış Yarkadaş announced detaining of Mahalli on Twitter.

Statement by his attorney

According to a report by Gerçekgündem, as to detaining of Mahalli, attorney Turan Aydoğan on Halk TV live broadcast said:

“He says on Halk TV that ‘Terrorists are annihilated in Aleppo. I will explain tomorrow how this happens’. Upon this, İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launches a probe and issues a detention warrant.

“Mr. Hüsnü would explain that actually terrorists are being destroyed in Aleppo and faulty policies that state pursue in there. But he wasn’t given the opportunity.

“Due to his MS disease and hypertension, there are medicine that he needs to use. We stated this to the security staff”. (BK/TK)

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