ADANA - DTK Co-chair Leyla Güven and journalist Seyithan Akyüz, among with 27 people, were sentenced to 168 years and 7 months in prison, which was overturned on the grounds that "unlawful evidence was obtained".

 

Democratic Society Congress (DTK) Co-chair Leyla Güven (currently being held in Elazığ Type T Closed Prison) and journalist Seyithan, who were prosecuted on charges of "being a member of a terrorist organization" and "propagandising a terrorist organization" after being detained in 2008 as part of the "KCK operation" in Adana, a decision was made regarding the 96 people, including Akyüz, at the hearing held on December 10, 2019. Adana 5th High Criminal Court sentenced 27 people, including Güven and Akyüz, to 6 years and 3 months in prison each on charges of "being a member of a terrorist organization". The other 69 people were acquitted on both charges.

 

The lawyers of those who were sentenced applied to the Adana Regional Court of Justice 2nd Penal Chamber against the decision. In the application, it was pointed out that the evidence was obtained illegally, and it was stated that "Findings obtained illegally cannot be accepted as evidence".

 

The prosecutor, who oversaw the case, also filed an appeal. The prosecutor demanded that all the accused be punished. However the application of the prosecutor was rejected due to statue of limitations. The 2nd Penal Chamber also decided that the audio surveillance which was presented to the file as an evidence, was unlawful. The Chamber, which overturned the judgments of the local court, sent the file back to the Adana 5th High Criminal Court. 96 people will appear in court again in the coming days.

 

The Chamber also noted that the sentences given to Güven and some detainees for "being a member of a terrorist organization" were repeated.

 

MA / Hamdullah Yağız Kesen