Turkey arrests Barzani’s relative for ‘smuggling 2,500 shells’

ISTANBUL – Hürriyet

Matin Barzani, is said to be the nephew of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) (in the photo). AA photo

Matin Barzani, who is said to be the nephew of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechervan Barzani, is facing seven-and-a-half years in prison on charges of trying to enter Turkey with 2,500 illegal shotgun shells.

Barzani, 26, who has been living in Austria, arrived at the İpsala border gate with Greece on Dec. 12, 2012. Boarder guards found 2,500 shotgun shells in his laptop case and informed the Edirne Public Prosecutor’s Office. 

Barzani was then taken to the prosecutor’s office, where he reportedly said he had legally purchased the shotgun shells in Austria and that he held a valid hunting license.

“I’ve been living in Austria. On Dec. 12, when I was entering Turkey, 2,500 shells that are used for hunting and sport were seized. I bought them, also having a rabbit to use with them. I’ve flown from Austria to Iraq carrying these many times without listing them at customs, and did not experience any problems. This time I was planning to go Iraq, where my family lives, via land. I myself was going to use these shells, I am a licensed hunter,” he said according to his testimony, taken by the prosecutor. 
Barzani also said he had paid 745 euros for the ammunition using his debit cart. 

The prosecutor sent the shells for expert examination, and it was discovered that the shells were not legal in Turkey. Barzani then was arrested by the First Edirne Criminal Court on Dec. 13, 2012, charged with “trying to smuggle arms.”

Barzani was then sent to Edirne prison, pending trial. The prosecutor has demanded up to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment.