Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) Central Executive Committee member Mukaddes Kubilay was taken into custody in Ýzmir for allegedly “making propaganda for an illegal organization”. It is reported that the detention came following a close pursuit of Kubilay by Anti-Terror Branch Office of Ýzmir Security Directorate. Kubilay was referred to a court in Ýzmir.

On the other hand, eight people included four children were arrested in the province of Mersin.

Among 20 people who were taken into custody on 20 March, accused of throwing stone to police during Newroz celebrations in Mersin, twelve were referred to Mersin 1st High Criminal court. Following the testimonies of detainees, eight were arrested and sent to Mersin E Type Closed Prison on the grounds of “throwing stone to police officers” and “chanting illegal slogans”. Four of the detainees were released by the court.

One of the arrestees, seventeen year old M.K. is reported to be a victim of Pozantý Prison where children were subjected to rape and sexual abuse. The seventeen year old boy was taken into custody after he was called to Siteler Police Station to give his signature within the scope of the supervised liberty law after his release.