Turkish journalist of Albanian origin sentenced to 27 years in prison by Erdogan courts

Jan Dundar ( Can Dundar (c.

His lawyers refused to participate in the latest hearing, this Wednesday, saying through a written statement that “we do not want to be part of a practice that legitimises a political verdict received earlier”. They said they would appeal this decision.

It's sad and strange that we know what the verdict will be like in my case before the trial ends. There is no means by which you can defend yourself in Turkey anymore because the judges cannot be trusted,” told Dindar Guardian, Periscopi traces.

The message the Turkish government is sending condemning a journalist so gravely is that “if you cover sensitive issues, that's what will happen.” he added.

The dyndre was a vocal critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan, and is among many journalists, politicians, academics and lawyers who have been imprisoned in recent years.

The critical media against Erduan were either closed or bought by people linked to the party of authoritarian President (AKP).

About half the staff of Cumhuriyet newspaper is in jail.

The government says courts function independently and that its actions are justified by the serious threat the country faced.

Standards along with Erdem Ghulin were first arrested in 2015, and were sentenced to 5 years in prison each for news of the alleged transfer of weapons to Syrian fighters across Turkey's southern border to trucks operated by Turkish intelligent services.

This report had angered Erdogan, who had said the trucks were carrying aid and had pledged that the Cumhurriyet newspaper would pay “dearly for the publication of that article.

Albanian - born journalist had even been shot outside the court in 2016 but had escaped unhurt.

Turkish authorities have already applied for Dindar's extradition from Germany and have frozen its assets in Turkey since October.

According to a report released last week, more journalists imprisoned in the world have China, followed immediately by Turkey. /Periscope