Kurdish Politician Sentenced to Plant Trees for Criticizing PM

A Kars court condemns Kurdish politician Mahmut Alınak to plant 500 trees on allegations of insulting PM Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

"If he could feel a pint of shame, Erdoğan would refrain from visiting Kars. We don't want Erdogan, teh enemy of freedoms, who turned life into hell for Turks, Kurds and all peoples here in Kars. We protest this blood mongering sultan's attempt to contaminate this land and the air above it.  

Kars 2nd Court of First Instance condemned Alınak to 11 months and 20 days in prison. The court then postponed the ruling's announcement and decided for the politician to remain under supervision for five years. The ruling includes a provision for Alınak to plant 500 trees and provide care for four months. Alınak has the right to appeal to the decision in seven days.   

Judge Erkan Tımbıl concluded that Alınak's written statement sent to local newspapers includes derogatory remarks about Erdoğan.

During his defense in court, Alınak argued that his words can be regarded as harsh criticism and public servants should be open to such. The government failed to invest in the city for years and its inhabitants have the right to criticize this situation, Alınak suggested.

The Kurdish politician had been in prison twice before, for denying to pay administrative penalties given for his acts of civil disobedience.(EÖ/AGÜ)