Turkish journalist released in Egypt after months in detentionDecember 9, 2013 - 17:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish journalist Metin Turan, a senior reporter from Turkey's state-owned TRT news station, was released pending trial by Egyptian authorities on Monday, Dec 9 morning after being detained for more than 100 days in Egypt's capital, according to Today’s Zaman. Turan was taken to Cairo's police headquarters from Tora Prison on Sunday and after several hours of legal processing, he was released in the morning, the Turkish Embassy announced via its social media accounts. Reports say Turan was taken to police headquarters -- along with 83 other detainees whom a Cairo criminal court decided to release pending trial -- to complete required procedures to be processed before their release. The reports stated that Turan seemed to be in good spirits while he was being transferred from prison. Turan's family welcomed the court's decision to release him and thanked the Turkish government for assistance. The news of Turan's imminent release came after he had been in custody for more than 100 days. Turan was detained in mid-August in Cairo's Al-Fateh Mosque while covering the military crackdown on supporters of deposed Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. He was held on charges of promoting violence, and his 45-day detention was extended three times. Ten days after Turan's lawyer applied for his release, a judge reportedly accepted the request and decided to release Turan pending trial. Turan was initially expected to be released on Tuesday; however, there was an objection from the prosecutor. A decision was reportedly made referring the case to another court. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |