5 of the Kurdish activists detained in London two weeks ago were released on parole and are to be monitored with electronic tags and other restrictions, while an arrest warrant was issued for one activist.
On 27 November, seven Kurds were detained during raids on the Kurdish Community Centre (KCC) and private homes in London. The detentions were made under the UK's anti-terrorism legislation, and those taken into custody were accused of membership of the PKK. One of the detained activists was released from police custody two days ago, while the other six appeared in the Westminister Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Arrest warrant for Mazlum S.
An arrest warrant was issued for Mazlum S. The Kurdish activist, who fled from Turkey, is still in the asylum procedure and has neither a permanent residence nor a secure residence status. The court justified the arrest warrant with the risk of absconding. Mazlum S.'s defence lawyer intends to appeal against the decision.
Electronic tags ordered
The other detainees, Türkan Budak, co-chair of the Kurdish People's Assembly in the UK, Kurdish politician and author Ali Poyraz, and activists Ercan Akbal, Berfin K. and Agit K., were released on parole. The conditions include wearing an electronic tag, daily reporting to the police, a ban on going out between 6 am and 7pm, and a ban on contact with each other. The defendants are not allowed to enter the KCC or stay in the Haringey district. Agit K. was also ordered to pay a £20,000 bail.
First court hearing on 20 December
The defendants have apparently not been charged with any offence. Their participation in political, cultural and commemoration events in the Kurdish community centre was listed as ‘evidence’ for the court's decision. The trial against the seven defendants is scheduled to begin as early as 20 December.
