Former HDP deputy Güzel sentenced to 8 years and 9 months in prison: Released

Semra Güzel attended the hearing at the Ankara 22nd High Criminal Court via video conference from the prison where she was being held, while her lawyers and observers were present in the courtroom.

The presiding judge announced that the expert report regarding the HTS records requested in the previous session had been added to the case file. Given the floor, the defendant Güzel argued that the individuals mentioned in witness statements and HTS records were medical students and that she had no organizational connection to them.

Regarding her arrest while traveling from Istanbul to Edirne with a fake ID under the name "Mehtap Dayan," Güzel said, "Throughout the process, I received death threats following the publication of the photographs. I had to defend and protect myself. If an investigation had been launched by the Ministry of Interior regarding this situation, at least we would not have experienced this anxiety."

Following the defendant's statement, the public prosecutor reiterated their opinion, stating that, considering the stage of the trial and the time the defendant has spent in detention, they believed judicial control measures would be proportionate and requested that the court order the defendant's release subject to such measures.

Making a defense regarding the prosecutor's opinion, the defendant Güzel said, "My photographs were served to the press like a scenario. A reaction was created by using the term 'lover.' This turned into a smear campaign in the media, and I was subjected to threats; my life safety was in danger. Before it was even discussed how these photos were taken, it was discussed what sentence I should receive. These things happened before my immunity was even lifted. These photos of mine, taken before I became a deputy, gained value and were manipulated after I became a deputy." Güzel requested an acquittal from the court panel.

Announcing its verdict after the statements, the court sentenced the defendant Semra Güzel to 6 years and 3 months in prison for "membership in an armed terrorist organization" and 2 years and 6 months for "forgery of official documents," and ordered her release.

News Source: 12punto