‘No prisoner exchange deal for Muslim’s extradition’

By Kubilay Celik

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey’s justice minister on Tuesday said there is no prisoner exchange deal with the Czech Republic for Salih Muslim, former co-leader of PYD/PKK terrorist organization.

Abdulhamit Gul’s remarks came after some news reports claimed the Czech Republic would consider extraditing Muslim in exchange of its two jailed citizens in Turkey.

Muslim, who is expected to appear before a court in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, was arrested in the capital Prague on Sunday at Turkey’s request.

Speaking at the parliament, Gul said: “There is no proposal of exchange from Czech Republic. No such application or issue is on the agenda.

“The persons in question remain in jail in eastern province of Van,” he added.

Muslim's arrest came after Turkey called on the Czech Republic to arrest the former co-leader of the terrorist group and sent warrants for his arrest to Prague, the official added.

The Turkish Interior Ministry had offered a bounty of nearly $1 million on Muslim, listing him as a most-wanted terrorist.

Czech authorities had earlier asked Turkey to submit necessary documents for Muslim’s extradition.

Muslim is accused of disrupting the unity and territorial integrity of the state, homicide, attempted homicide, damaging public property and transferring a hazardous substance.

Turkish security officials and the Ministry of Justice have begun the administrative process for the extradition of Muslim.

The PYD/PKK is a Syrian offshoot of the PKK which has been designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.