Türkİye, World, Europe

Turkey seeks extradition of PYD/PKK’s former co-leader

Ambassador to Prague conveys Ankara's extradition demand to Czech Republic's deputy foreign minister

25.02.2018 - Update : 26.02.2018
Turkey seeks extradition of PYD/PKK’s former co-leader former co-leader of PYD/PKK terror group Salih Muslum

By Askin Kiyagan and Kemal Karadag

PRAGUE, Czech Republic / ANKARA

Ankara on Sunday called on the Czech Republic to extradite former co-leader of PYD/PKK terror group Salih Muslum, Turkey's ambassador to Prague said.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ahmet Necati Bigali said he had talked to a Czech deputy foreign minister over the phone and conveyed his country's extradition demand. He did not give the name of the deputy minister.

He said the deputy foreign minister would submit Turkey's demand to the first deputy justice minister.

Muslum, who was arrested in the Czech capital Prague on Sunday, is in police custody, he added.

Turkish authorities have begun preparations for the extradition of Muslum, Bigali noted, and said the judicial process would start when Czech authorities receive Turkey's extradition request.

He also underscored "cooperation" of the Czech Republic with Turkey over the issue.

Turkey's Interior Ministry had offered a bounty of nearly $1 million on Muslum who is listed as a most wanted terrorist.

Meanwhile, Turkey's Justice Ministry said it had initiated the extradition process for Muslum.

Ankara will officially ask Czech authorities for his extradition, according to a statement.

It recalled that the 4th High Criminal Court in Ankara had filed a case against Muslum for a deadly 2016 terrorist attack in the capital, on charges of damaging national unity and integrity, deliberate murder, damaging public property and transferring dangerous materials.

The March 13, 2016 attack at Guvenpark in Kizilay --a popular shopping area-- had been carried out by an explosive-laden vehicle, and left 37 people dead and dozens others injured.

The court had also issued an arrest warrant for Muslum, and asked the Interpol to issue a red notice against him.

The extradition request will be filed in accordance with the European Convention on Extradition to which the Czech Republic is party, the statement added.

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