Statement from Justice Minister Tunç on Rümeysa Öztürk

Rümeysa Öztürk had been detained in the US after being accused of "supporting Hamas" following an article she wrote in support of Palestine.

It was decided that Rümeysa Öztürk would be released by court order.

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç made a statement regarding the matter on his social media account following the decision.

Minister Tunç's post is as follows:

"The decision to release our Turkish student Rümeysa Öztürk, who is pursuing her PhD at Tufts University in the US state of Massachusetts, in the case heard is a positive development that eases the public conscience. The fact that our sister Rümeysa will regain her freedom is extremely important in terms of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression.

This process has once again shown that it is never acceptable for an individual to be put on trial on the grounds of their beliefs and the support they provide to Palestine. Practices that are incompatible with democratic values, such as the injustice suffered by our sister Rümeysa, as well as discrimination, marginalization, Islamophobia, and double standards, should not be tolerated in any way.

As the Ministry of Justice, we have been supporters of our sister Rümeysa from the very first moment, both diplomatically and legally. The hearings were followed in person by our justice counselors. I convey my best wishes to our sister Rümeysa, whom we have always stood by, and to her family."

News Source: 12punto