BATMAN - 63-year-old Ali Acar, who underwent open heart surgery, was arrested on the grounds of participating in the 2012 Newroz. Acar who was also diagnosed with Coronavirus, was sent to prison following a 14 day quarantine.

 

An investigation was launched against 20 people in the Kozluk district of Batman including 63 year old Ali Acar for attending the Newroz celebrations in 2012. Acar was acquitted by Batman 2nd High Criminal Court.  The decision of acquittal, which the prosecutor objected, was overturned by the Supreme Court. While the file was reappeared in Batman 3rd High Criminal Court, the court sentenced 20 people to 3 years 1 month and 15 days on charges of "helping and abetting the organization without being a member of the organization".

 

THERE IS A RISK OF INFECTION

 

On May 14, police raided Acar's home, who had undergone open heart surgery about two months ago. Acar, who was detained on grounds that he had a finalized prison sentence, tested positive for coronavirus and was quarantined for 14 days. When his test came out negative 14 days later, Acar was sent to prison.

 

Acar's family protested the decision of arrest, stating that he has a risk of infection due to the open heart surgery. The family had applied to the prosecutor's office for stay. While no response have been given to the appeal, Acar's attorney applied to the Constitutional Court for violation of the freedom of thought and expression.