HDP MP Çelik Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison

Click to read the article in Turkish

Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Muş MP Burcu Çelik has been sentenced to 6 years in prison on charge of aiding and abating a terror organization.

Being kept in Sincan Closed Women’s Prison, Çelik made her statement of defense via Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS) in the hearing at Muş 1st Heavy Penal Court.

Çelik stated that the verdict rendered must be in accordance with public conscience and the people who elected her.

“The evidence in the file are insufficient and this is not appropriate for a legal judgement.

“I believe it is never too late for anything. I want to express that I believe any living being that breathes in this geography has the right to co-exist”.

As the defense attorneys rejecting the accusations demanded that Çelik be acquitted, the court delegation Çelik of “propagandizing for a terror organization” and “being a member of a terror organization”. Çelik was sentenced to 6 years in prison on charge of “aiding and abating a terror organization” and the court ruled continuation of her arrest.

Burcu Çelik was arrested on charges of “propagandizing for a terror organization”, “being a member of a terror organization” and “aiding and abating a terror organization” on April 19, 2017. (YY/TK)