65-year-old Veli Yıldız was taken into custody in Pülümür district of Dersim after having his house raided by the police Wednesday evening. Yıldız was reportedly detained basing on “statements of a secret witness”. He was remanded in custody for alleged “membership in a terrorist organization” and sent to Elazığ Prison.

The elderly man sent a message through his lawyers and said the following, “We are the grandchildren of Hızır (Godsend). Our ancestors were also subject to injustice and put in the prisons of Elazığ. In the same way, we are becoming a victim of injustice today. I didn’t hurt any single person, nor any other living being. I opened my door to everyone, I did favor. I pursued my faith. Yet, I became a victim of injustice. I was told that I was charged with aiding the organization.”