Turkey: HDP deputy remanded in custody

By Aziz Aslan

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) - An opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) deputy was remanded into custody Tuesday as part of a terror probe launched in this southeastern province, according to a security source.

Meral Danis Bestas, the party’s deputy for southern Adana province, was remanded into custody for "being member of an armed terrorist organization" in Diyarbakir, said the source who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Bestas was detained Saturday as part of a terror probe by Diyarbakir prosecutor's office but was released under judicial supervision.

After the Diyarbakir public prosecutor objected to the release, police again arrested her Monday.

Thirteen HDP lawmakers were arrested last November, and 10 of them, including co-leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, remain in custody awaiting trial on terrorism-related charges.

The lawmakers face prosecution under anti-terrorism legislation after their parliamentary immunity was lifted.

The government has accused the HDP of having links to the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU.