Turkey again arrests an opposition politician

A Turkish court on Monday ordered the ban on a former opposition lawmaker, hours after a lower court released him on bail, while being tried on terrorism charges, according to state news agency Anadolu.

Eren Erdem, who lost his place in the 2018 elections that gave President Tayyip Erdogan new and broader powers, has been imprisoned since June and charged with publishing illegal wiretapping while he was editor of an opposition newspaper in 2014.

He himself denies allegations that he has helped the followers of American clergy Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of orchestrating the failed coup during 2016.

Prosecutors demanded the sentence of up to 19 years for Erdem, on “the membership of an armed organisation” and aid to terrorists. However, the court ruled Monday that he must be released on bail.

Hours later, a higher court overturned the decision on acquittal, following an appeal by the Istanbul prosecution, because Erdem could leave Turkey to avoid a possible sentence.