The Tirana Court has imposed the security measure of "prison arrest" on Turkish activist Julide Yazici, who was detained two days ago at Rinas Airport, after arriving from France.
The court's decision also came in line with the request of the prosecutor in the case, Frances Gani, who asked that the 32-year-old remain in prison until the official documentation for the extradition procedure arrives from the Turkish authorities. Turkey has a deadline of 40 days to send the relevant materials.
Yazici, a teacher by profession, was arrested on August 5 during a check at the Rinas border crossing. Verifications by Albanian authorities revealed that she was on the international wanted list by Interpol Ankara, after the Istanbul Court sentenced her to 4 years and 2 months in prison for the criminal offenses of “providing logistical support to a terrorist organization” and “participation in a terrorist organization.”
According to data from the Turkish authorities, she still has 3 years, 5 months and 22 days of prison left to serve from this sentence. After the decision on the security measure, the Tirana Court will examine the request of the Turkish authorities for her extradition at a later stage.
According to police sources, Yazici had obtained political asylum in France, while he stated that his life was in danger in Turkey.
The Turkish activist has become known for her involvement in student movements and civil rights protests. About seven years ago, while studying at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, she participated in protests against the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkish authorities first arrested her in 2016, accusing her of links to a terrorist organization. Yazici and her supporters have denied the charges, claiming that her prosecution is related to her political activity and participation in student protests.
