HDP Media Consultant Süleyman Başer Arrested

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Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) İstanbul Provincial Administrator and Media Consultant Süleyman Başer was arrested on the charge of “being a member of an [illegal] organization” today (February 21).

Başer’s attorney, Levent Pişkin, stated that his client, who was detained on February 13, was questioned regarding his attendance at legal protests.

Pişkin told bianet:

“Süleyman Başer entered the HDP Provincial Administration building on April 2016. He was asked about HDP protests that were staged before this date. Furthermore, the testimonies of two witnesses, both of whom allegedly gave evidence under torture and later recanted, are still on the file.

“Putting a recanted testimony on file is unlawful. Besides, these testimonies have nothing to do with Süleyman Başer.

“The justification for the arrest is ‘joining the protests that are considered illegal’. Yet, all of these protests have been legal press conferences. In fact, there is no concrete reason for the arrest”.

There are now 13 people from the HDP İstanbul Provincial Administration, as well as 12 HDP MPs, behind bars. (ÇT/TK)