Business Standard

Romania rejects request by Turkey to extradite journalist

Image

AP Bucharest (Romania)

A Romanian court has rejected a request by Turkey to extradite a Turkish journalist it accuses of terrorism.

Turkey wants to try Kamil Demirkaya for links to Fethullah Gulen, the US-based cleric blamed by Turkey for orchestrating a failed coup in 2016.

The Court of Appeal delivered its ruling, which is not final, on Friday after 15 minutes' deliberation.

Reasons will be published later.

Demirkaya was detained in Romania on Dec 5 after Turkey petitioned to extradite him "for being a member of criminal, terrorist group."

Demirkaya denies allegations of terrorism.

He said he opposed the request because "justice doesn't function in Turkey."

The Zaman Romania newspaper where Demirkaya works says the extradition was ordered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

 

The case is delicate for Romania, which takes over the EU's rotating presidency on Jan 1.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Dec 14 2018 | 3:25 PM IST

Explore News