90-year-old released after detention for 2007 charges of 'insulting' former minister

A 90-year-old retiree was released after an unlawful detention in Istanbul on the grounds of 2007 charges that had been dropped. "What could you expect from a government that fears me? Shame," the retiree said upon his release from police custody.

Duvar English

A 90-year-old man was released following his detention by police upon arrival from the eastern province of Malatya to Istanbul for medical treatment. As the reason of detention, police officers cited a 2007 charge of insulting former Justice Minister Cemil Çiçek.

The retired schoolteacher Hasan Basri Aydın's record still showed the 2007 charges, the officers said, although a 2012 forensic report had deemed Aydın to have diminished mental capacities, resulting in all charges being dropped.

The discharge hadn't been reflected in Aydın's records, which resulted in his transfer to Silivri Prison, until the prosecutor's office was notified of the charges' dismissal, releasing the 90-year-old.

"What could you expect from a government that fears me? Shame," the retiree said upon his release from police custody.

Starting his career as a vocal government critic during the 60s, Aydın has been in and out of prison numerous times, and was last accused of "insulting" former Justice Minister Cemil Çiçek for his criticisms of prison conditions in Turkey.