Court Releases Former CHP Politician in 'Mosque Hack' Case

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A court has ordered the release of Banu Özdemir, the main opposition Republican People's Party's (CHP) former provincial head in the western İzmir province.

Özdemir was remanded in custody for "provoking people into animosity and hatred" after she tweeted videos that showed several mosques in İzmir blaring "Bella Ciao," a protest song.

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Barış Yarkadaş, a journalist and a former CHP MP, announced on Twitter that İzmir 50th Penal Court of Peace released Özdemir.

On May 21, the song was heard from mosques in several districts of İzmir. The religion authority in İzmir had announced that the incident occurred after its central system for calls to prayers (adhan) was hacked by unknown people.

İzmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into the incident and those who shared videos on the incident on social media. Those who hacked the mosques' system have not been found yet. (EMK/VK)