Turkish students face 15 years in prison for demanding free education March 10, 2012 - 13:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A newly appointed prosecutor in an ongoing trial has requested between 7.5 to 15 years in prison on terrorism-related charges for three university students who unfurled a banner demanding free education in 2010, Hurriyet Daily News reported. The previous prosecutor Kasım İlimoğlu had requested the students’ acquittal, arguing their act was constitutional and fell within the limits of the freedom of expression. Prosecutor Adem Özcan who replaced him following his appointment to the case, however, demanded on March 9 that the students, Ferhat Tüzer, Berna Yılmaz and Utku Aykar, be sentenced on charges of membership of a terrorist organization. Ferhat Tüzer, a mechanical engineering student at Trakya University, Berna Yılmaz, an anthropology student at Ankara University and the other suspect Utku Aykar opened a banner demanding free education during Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s meeting with the Roma community on March, 2010. Tüzer and Yılmaz were subsequently arrested but later released after remaining behind bars for 18 months, while Aykar was tried withour arrest.   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 |  Latest news Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation  Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims.First Canadian expert join EU mission in Armenia The first Canadian expert to join the European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia has arrived in Armenia.Armenian cemetery in Fresno hit by arsons six times since January Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance.Iran vows to “decisively” defend sovereignty, national interests The Iranian embassy in Armenia has defended its “defensive and proportional action in in occupied Palestine.” |
