Lawyer Fırat Epözdemir arrested in investigation targeting PKK

The procedures at the Istanbul Police Department for Epözdemir, who was detained as part of an investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office to uncover the activities of the terrorist organization PKK/KCK, have been completed.

Epözdemir, who was taken to the Istanbul Courthouse, was referred to the duty magistrate's court with a request for his arrest on charges of "making propaganda for a terrorist organization" and "being a member of an armed terrorist organization" following his statement to the prosecutor.

ARREST DECISION

In the referral document sent by the prosecutor's office to the duty criminal judgeship of peace, it was stated that Epözdemir served as the Bağcılar head within the HDK, a sub-structure of the organization, and that he was a member of a WhatsApp group named "Diren Cizre" (Resist Cizre) in line with the instructions of the HDK and the PKK.

The referral document noted that the suspect Epözdemir engaged in activities in favor of the terrorist organization in Cizre, and it was stated that Epözdemir knowingly and willingly took part in the hierarchical structure of the armed terrorist organization PKK/KCK and acted within the organization's hierarchy.

In the referral document, it was requested that Epözdemir be arrested, taking into account the nature and character of the crime charged, the current state of the evidence, and the upper limit of the penalty prescribed by law for the crimes. The court decided to arrest Epözdemir.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was determined that data seized from the organization's archives indicated that lawyer Fırat Epözdemir was a member of the HDK, a sub-structure of the organization.

A detention warrant had been issued for Epözdemir, who was determined to have participated in organizational activities by being part of the "Diren Cizre" WhatsApp group in 2015 and to have had a photograph with a piece of cloth belonging to the organization.

Epözdemir, who was detained at Istanbul Airport upon his arrival from abroad, had his home and law office searched.

News Source: 12punto