Sinn Féin MLA [Northern Ireland Assembly MP] Martina Anderson has called for the release of Kurdish former MP and political prisoner Leyla Güven who has been sentenced to 22 years in prison and imprisoned in Turkey on Tuesday.

Martina Anderson said:

"I was shocked to learn of the 22 year sentence handed down to former Kurdish MP and hunger striker, Leyla Güven.

"She was sentenced on 18 spurious and politically motivated charges arising from her involvement in the campaign for autonomy for the Kurdish people.

"She was previously imprisoned and went on hunger strike to call for an end to the isolation of Kurdish political leader Abdullah Öcalan.

"I visited her in her home while she was on hunger strike and was impressed by her dignity, determination and courage.

"This sentence is entirely political and Leyla Güven should be released immediately along with Abdullah Öcalan to assist the peace process in the region."

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