Imprisoned Partizan Reader Seyidali Laço Has Been Released
Featured image: 25th High Criminal Court. Source: Yeni Demokrasi
The first hearing in the case against Seyidali Laço, a Partizan reader who was arrested on 1st of May, was held today, which resulted in a release order, Yeni Demokrasi reports.
Seyidali Laço was arrested and imprisoned in Silivri No. 6 L-Type Closed Prison for participating in democratic actions and calling for a gathering in Taksim on 1st of May and was tried for “membership in an organization.”
In his statement, Laço rejected the accusations outlined in the indictment. He said that Partizan is not an illegal organization but a legal magazine available in bookstores, online, and other venues, including prisons. He described himself as a reader of the magazine, and a worker. Laço also denied the prosecution’s claim that he sought to create unrest by calling for 1st of May demonstrations. He said he had participated in the commemoration of those killed in the Gazi Massacre and had marched to honor their memory. Regarding a witness statement cited in the indictment, Laço explained that he had previously been summoned by police and questioned by Vatan, but that investigation had been closed without further action.
“I do not believe that what I did was a crime,” Laço stated.
The court has ordered his release and the next hearing was postponed until November 3.
We have reported previously on the on the Taksim 1st of May protest:
