Journalist Metin Duran Released from Prison with Forensic Report

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The six-month arrest of journalist Metin Duran has ended after the Forensic Medicine Institution's report stating that "he cannot stay in prison."

As reported by Mezopotamya Agency, Metin Duran, for whom a verdict of release was issued yesterday (September 17), was released from Sincan Prison in Ankara at the evening hours.

CLICK - Human Rights Association: 1154 Ill Prisoners, 402 in Serious Condition

According to Human Rights Association (İHD) Prison Commission, there are 1,154 ill prisoners, 401 are in critical condition as of March 2, 2018.

According to BİA Media Monitoring Report's data concerning April-May-June 2018 period, there are 127 journalists in jail. 33 of the 127 journalists are defendant; 40 are suspect; 30 are inmate; 24 are convicted.

What happened?

Born in Nusaybin in Mardin province, Duran was working at Radyo Rengin until the radio channel was closed off by statutory decree and making news for local newspapers in Mardin.

He went to Mardin State Hospital due to heart condition on October 10, 2015 when the curfews in Nusaybin were ongoing. According to Mezopotamya Agency, the doctor claimed that Duran's condition was "psychological" and sent him home.

Duran had a heart attack at the same night and was taken under intensive care in the hospital where he was taken to. He was diagnosed paralyzed here.

He moved in his relatives' home since his home, where he lived with his family used to live, was destroyed during curfews and operation. Sentence of 3 years 3 months and 15 days in jail imposed in the past was approved at that time. Then Duran was arrested and sent to Sincan No. 2 Closed Prison. (AS/SD)