Turkish court orders release of local Amnesty chair – Amnesty
A Turkish court has ordered the release from prison
of Taner Kilic, the local honorary chair of Amnesty International, the human
rights group said on Wednesday about one of several cases that have raised
concern over Ankara's human rights record.
Kilic, who has been in jail for a year as his trial
continues, is charged with supporting a U.S.-based cleric whom Ankara blames
for a July 2016 failed coup. Kilic was expected to be released from prison
later on Wednesday.
"Great news: The Istanbul court has ruled for
the release of Amnesty Turkey Honorary Chair Taner Kilic!!!! Expecting his
release by this evening. Celebrations will start then," Andrew Gardner of
Amnesty said on Twitter.
The court decision came a day after a court in the
western province of Edirne released two Greek soldiers facing espionage charges
in Turkey. Athens said the ruling would help to improve strained ties between
the two NATO allies.
Turkey is also involved in a dispute with the United
States over the detention of an American Christian pastor for terrorism
charges.
Earlier on Wednesday, a Turkish court rejected an
appeal for Evangelical pastor Andrew Brunson to be released from house arrest
and for his travel ban to be lifted, but an upper court is yet to rule on the
appeal.
