After almost eight months in custody, German journalist and translator Meşale Tolu is back on free foot. A court had previously ordered her release under conditions, but was still detained at a police station. The warden assured that she could briefly greet her family waiting for gate before being brought to a police station to carry out final formalities.

However, in evening a grey civilian car with tinted windows drove out of prison – as later turned out on demand of German ambassador in Turkey, Martin Fleischmann, she sat in car. After that, her whereabouts was initially unclear; Her family and ambassador drove various police stations in Istanbul in search of her.

German ambassador criticizes "hide-and-play"

He was indignant and said, "They play a game of hide-and-match with us." According to Tolus lawyer Gülhan Kaya, anti-terrorist force of police had ordered Tolus deportation. According to lawyer, contradictory arrangements for court order of an exit block caused confusion on guard.

Previously, however, court had imposed an exit ban until a judgment in proceedings against German. Meanwhile, however, Tolu could leave station in Istanbul district of Fatih, now she can move freely in Turkey.

"I'm tired, but happy," said Tolu in evening at law firm of her lawyers in Istanbul. She expressed hope that world correspondent Deniz Yücel will now also be released. "We are both journalists who are a thorn in state," said 33-year-old from Ulm. "I hope that he too can enjoy his freedom as soon as possible."

Photos of release MesaleTolu should probably be prevented. She was quietly brought to waiting, including ambassador, past immigration office. What is happening now is open...

— Heike Hansel (@HeikeHaensel) December 18, 2017 process for membership in terrorist organization continues

The Istanbul court ordered release of Tolu and five or detained defendants on Monday, albeit under conditions. Tolu, who has been in custody since April 30th, must not leave, she has to report to police once a week. The 33-year-old mor of a Sohnesund total of 17 Turkish defendants is accused of membership in a terrorist organization. The procedure goes even furr. The next negotiating date is April 2018.

"Meşale Tolu remains a political hostage to Turkey as long as it is not allowed to leave country," organization Reporters Without Borders shared. "The Turkish judiciary must drop accusations against Meşale Tolu and give m a definitive free speech," said managing director of Human rights organization, Christian Mihr.

Date Of Update: 19 December 2017, 12:02