Artist Mazlum Akpolat (Mazlum Jinda) was taken into custody in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, following a final conviction sentencing him to 22 months and 15 days in prison on charges of "propaganda for a terrorist organization.”  After undergoing procedures at the police station, Akpolat was arrested and temporarily sent to Metris Prison.

Akpolat is expected to be transferred to Marmara (Silivri) Prison on 3 February.

What happened?

Kurdish artist Akpolat was charged with "propaganda for a terrorist organization" in June 2016 over his song "Xewna Sed Sala" (The Dream of the Century), and a case was filed against him at the 35th Heavy Penal Court of Istanbul, located in Çağlayan.

Akpolat appealed the decision and, through his lawyer, took the case to the Court of Appeal. After the Court of Appeal upheld the sentence, Akpolat further appealed to the Court of Cassation on 16 October 2019.  Upon the Court of Cassation's approval, Akpolat’s sentence became final.