Documentary filmmaker Sibel Tekin released after weeks behind bars

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A court has ordered the release of Sibel Tekin, a documentary filmmaker who was remanded in custody on December 17.

Tekin was arrested for "being a member of a terrorist organization" because of "filming a police car" while shooting a documentary. The documentary, "Life That Begins In The Dark," is about Türkiye's switch to permanent summertime.

Prosecutors have alleged that Tekin was filming the police car for reconnaissance purposes for a "terrorist organization."

The Ankara 26th Heavy Penal Court ordered her release at a detention review hearing yesterday (January 30).

Asked for their opinion, the prosecutor said there was a strong suspicion that Tekin had committed the charged offense and that she could flee so that her arrest should continue, the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) reported.

However, the court concluded that judicial control measures would suffice given that all evidence had been collected and there was no suspicion that she would flee. (HA/VK)