Turkish mayor faces trial over terror propaganda

An indictment has been prepared against a provincial mayor on charges of "promoting terrorism on social media," according to a court statement.

S?rr? Sak?k, the mayor for the eastern province of A?r?, will face a jail sentence for posting comments on Twitter "encouraging and praising the terror of the [outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party] PKK and its affiliate, the Kurdish Communities Union [KCK], against the Turkish government."

According to the A?r? Criminal Court, Sak?k, who stood for the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) in the March 2014 election, faces up to seven-and-a-half years in prison and a ban on political activity if convicted. A trial is due to take place on Dec. 10.

The indictment was prepared after a criminal complaint was filed by a member of the public.

In a series of tweets posted between Aug. 19 and 22, Sak?k said the "Kurds have been fighting for their freedom."

Referring to his forthcoming trial, Sak?k told journalists: "This war will not last forever. If it will solve the problems, my punishment, my body, shall be dedicated to A?r? and peace."

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