Yesterday, Taner’s family and friends celebrated a brief moment of joy when, after 8 months in detention, the court finally ruled for his release. However, that joy soon turned to mourning. Prosecutors appealed the court’s decision and Taner was immediately taken into jandarma custody upon his release. The court which initially ruled for his release has now overturned its own verdict, and Taner will remain in prison.

Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Salil Shetty, released the following statement, emphasizing the cruelty and injustice of the courts’ decisions:

“Over the last 24 hours we have borne witness to a travesty of justice of spectacular proportions. To have been granted release only to have the door to freedom so callously slammed in his face is devastating for Taner, his family and all who stand for justice in Turkey. This latest episode of his malicious detention has dashed the hopes of Taner and those of his wife and daughters who were waiting by the prison gates all day to welcome him into their arms.

“This is the latest example of the crisis in Turkey’s justice system that is ruining lives and hollowing out the right to a fair trial. By riding roughshod over justice and ignoring the overwhelming evidence of his innocence his re-detention only deepens our resolve to continue to fight on Taner’s case. One million voices have already called for his release. He should never have been arrested, and we will not rest until he is free.”

The next court hearing has been set for 21 June, 2018. We are saddened by this setback but will continue to fight for Taner’s freedom. We urgently need you to add your voice, even and especially if you are one of the 1 million who have already demanded that the Turkish government release Taner. Please click here and demand that justice be served and Taner set free.