Four executives of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) who were arrested for involvement in the wave of incidents that swept through the city between March 28 and April 1 this year have been formally charged and face up to 15 years imprisonment if found guilty for assisting and carrying out offences on behalf of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Diyarbakir's Republic Chief Prosecutor's office completed its indictment against DTP Diyarbakir provincial deputy chairman Musa Farisoglu, provincial executive Necdet Atalay, Central District chairman Muhlis Altun and Central District executive board member Nusret Akin.

The four are charged with "assisting the PKK and committing offences on behalf of the organisation" under Turkish Penal Code (TCK) article 314 which carries a prison sentence of 10 to 15 years for each defendant. Defence sources said the trial is expected to start in the coming days.

TCK article 314 paragraph 1 relates to those who set up or direct an armed organisation for terror offences and carries a prison sentence of 10-15 years for those found guilty of such conduct. Its second paragraph related to members of the terrorist organisation with 5 to 10 years imprisonment.

A total of 11 people including five children were killed in the Diyarbakir incidents during which hundreds of suspects were detained. (KO/EO/II/YE)