Armenian journalist placed on trial in Turkey
Turkey-based Armenian journalist Sevan Nisanyan has been sentenced to 3 years and four months in prison for illegal constructions in Sirince - a small, historic village in western Turkey.
The verdict was returned by the Selcuk Criminal Court of First Instance on Tuesday.
"During the last two years they have filed 17 cases against me on the same charges. I may face a prison term of 16 years," said Nisanyan.
According to the journalist, though constructions are forbidden in the village, a number of hotels, shops and restaurants have been built in Sirince in the past 27 years.
"I think that they started a "political chase" against me. They want to banish me and compensate all the buildings constructed by me," said Nisanyan.
The Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism has gone to the village to get familiarized with the situation and settle the issue.
Nisanyan said that he was not going to yield to pressure and was ready to overcome all difficulties.
Azatutyun Radio Station
Photo by Hurriyet
