Turkish mayor faces trial over terror propaganda

AGRI

An indictment has been prepared against a Turkish provincial mayor over allegations of promoting terrorism on social media, according a court statement.

Sirri Sakik, mayor for the eastern province of Agri, is said to have posted comments on Twitter “encouraging and praising the terror of the PKK and its affiliate, the Kurdish Communities Union (KCK), against the Turkish government”.

According to Agri Criminal Court, Sakik, who stood for the Peace and Democracy Party in the March 2014 election, faces up to seven-and-a-half years in prison and a ban on political activity if convicted. A trial is due to take place on Dec. 10.

The indictment was prepared after a criminal complaint was filed by a member of the public.

In a series of tweets posted in between Aug. 19 and 22, Sakik said the “Kurds have been fighting for their freedom”.

Referring to his forthcoming trial, Sakik told journalists: “This war will not last forever. If it will solve the problems, my punishment, my body shall be dedicated to Agri and peace.”