A Czech court on Tuesday released prominent Syrian Kurdish leader Saleh Muslim, wanted by Turkey on terror charges, prompting outrage in Ankara which said the move showed "support for terrorism". Turkey on Monday said it had formally asked for the extradition of one of the leading figureheads of the Syrian Kurds, who was detained by Czech police at the weekend at Ankara's request.
"The judge decided to release Saleh Muslim. At the same time, Muslim promised the court that he would not leave the territory of the European Union and would report to the court at its request," court spokeswoman Marketa Puci told AFP. Muslim's lawyer Miroslav Krutina told reporters that his client vowed to participate in all extradition proceedings requested by Turkey. Muslim is wanted over a 2016 bombing in Ankara and faces 30 life sentences if convicted. He denies the charges. Until now, he had been able to move around the EU without a problem.
Turkey lashed out at Czech judicial authorities for their decision, with Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag telling reporters in Ankara that it showed "support for terrorism" and would have a "negative impact" on relations between Prague and Ankara. The Czech foreign ministry hit back, saying it "resolutely rejects the allegations that today's decision by an independent court runs counter to the Czech Republic's pledge to fight international terrorism."
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