* Photo: AA
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The İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office gave a verdict of release for Eren Erdem, the arrested former MP of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), today (October 31).
After the first package of the Judicial Reform was published on the Official Gazette and enacted as law on October 17, his lawyers applied to the court and requested the release of Erdem. Erdem has been behind bars in Silivri Prison for the past 489 days. The court has ruled for his release considering the time he has already served in prison.
In the official letter sent by the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to the Directorate of Silivri Penal Institution, it has been indicated,
"During his hearing, a verdict of release was given for Eren Erdem, who was arrested for 'intentionally and willingly aiding the armed terrorist organization while not being included in its hierarchical structure'. If he is not arrested or convicted of another charge, he shall be released."
While the court has also ruled that Turan Ababey, the owner of daily Karşı, shall be released, an international travel ban has been imposed on them.
Speaking to Tele1 news website, Efkan Bolaç, the lawyer of Eren Erdem, has announced that Erdem is expected to be released till 12 a.m. today.
What happened?A lawsuit has been filed against Eren Erdem because of the works that he did as the Editor-in-Chief of the Karşı newspaper. Erdem faced 9.5 to 12 years in prison for the offenses of "intentionally and willingly aiding the armed terrorist organization while not being included in its hierarchical structure", "disclosing an anonymous witness," and "violating the privacy of the investigation." After the indictment was accepted by the court, Erdem went to İstanbul Atatürk Airport on May 21, 2018 but was not able to depart because of the international travel ban imposed on him. Erdem was arrested on June 29, 2018 and sent to the Silivri Prison. The case continued at the İstanbul 23rd Heavy Penal Court on January 7, 2019. The İstanbul 23rd Heavy Penal Court gave a verdict of release for Erdem on January 7, 2019; however, upon the objection of the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the upper court, the İstanbul 24th Heavy Penal Court issued an arrest warrant for him. Not being released from prison despite the verdict of release, Eren Erdem was arrested again by the İstanbul 24th Heavy Penal Court on January 8, 2019. |
(HA/SD)
