Former CHP deputy Eren Erdem arrested on terrorism charges
ANKARA – Anadolu Agency
A former Republican People’s Party (CHP) lawmaker was arrested on June 29 over terrorism charges.
Eren Erdem was detained in Ankara after the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant.
He was brought to Istanbul by the police where he was arrested by the 35th Heavy Penal Court.
The former member of the parliament was on trial over his work during his time as the editor-in-chief of Karşı newspaper.
The prosecutor accused Erdem in the indictment for “aiding a terrorist organization without being a member,” “revealing the identity of a secret witness,” and “violating the confidentiality of a criminal investigation."
Erdem, who is charged with links to the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), could be jailed from 9.5 years to 22 years, the indictment says.
Turkish media reported on June 29 that Erdem was detained over suspicions that he would flee the country.
Erdem was not nominated again as a deputy candidate by the CHP in the June 24 elections, which was won by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
