MARDİN – Imprisoned former HDP Nusaybin Co-Mayor Sara Kaya was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

 

Sara Kaya who was detained during a house raid on her home in Nusaybin on January 13, 2017 was dismissed from office and replaced by a trustee. The final hearing of Kaya was held at Mardin 4th High Criminal Court where she was accused of 'Organization membershio and disrupting the unity and integrity of the state'. Kaya attended the hearing at the 4th High Criminal Court in Mardin via the Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS) from Tarsus T Type Closed Prison. Kaya's lawyers were also present at the courtroom.

 

The prosecution replied its previous opinion and asked for a life sentence for Kaya.

 

Kaya, making her defense, denied the charges against her and said that the law suit filed against her was a conspiracy.  Stating that they carried out all the operations under the coordination of the Nusaybin District Governorate, Kaya stated that the evidence was prepared by Nusaybin TEM Branch Chief Ünal Uyar, who is currently in prison on charges of torture and looting. Kaya, also stated she is not at flight risk and requested to be released.

 

After a short break, the court board, who announced their decision, sentenced Kaya to 9 years with the accusation of 'being a member of an illegal organization'. The court board later increased the sentence to 13 years 6 months. Court board also added 6 months for 'abuse of duty' and 2 years for 'Inciting the people to hatred and hostility'.

 

The court decided the continuation of detention for Kaya.