Turkish lawmaker released amid anti-terror probe

By Aziz Aslan

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

An opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker detained for failing to answer a summons linked to a counter-terrorism investigation was released on Wednesday, said a judicial source.

The party’s lawmaker for Turkey's eastern Agri province, Leyla Zana, was released on judicial restrictions after being detained earlier on Wednesday.

According to the Diyarbakir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Zana was accused of membership of an armed terrorist group.

Last November, 13 HDP lawmakers were arrested, and 10 of them -- including HDP co-leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag -- remain in custody awaiting trial on terrorism-related charges.

The lawmakers face prosecution under anti-terrorism legislation after their parliamentary immunity was lifted last March.

Turkey’s government has accused the HDP of having links to the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.

By Aziz Aslan

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

An opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker detained for failing to answer a summons linked to a counter-terrorism investigation was released on Wednesday, said a judicial source.

The party’s lawmaker for Turkey's eastern Agri province, Leyla Zana, was released on judicial restrictions after being detained earlier on Wednesday.

According to the Diyarbakir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Zana was accused of membership of an armed terrorist group.

Last November, 13 HDP lawmakers were arrested, and 10 of them -- including HDP co-leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag -- remain in custody awaiting trial on terrorism-related charges.

The lawmakers face prosecution under anti-terrorism legislation after their parliamentary immunity was lifted last March.

Turkey’s government has accused the HDP of having links to the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.