Czech Republic Sparks Turkey's Anger by Releasing Kurdish Politician

A court in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, March 8, ordered the release of a Syrian Kurdish politician. This decision has angered the Turkish government, which is seeking his extradition. Saleh Muslim, a former leader of the Democratic Union Party, was arrested in Prague on Saturday based on Turkey's request for his detention and extradition. A spokesperson for the Prague District Court stated that the court found no reason to continue holding Saleh Muslim. He added that Mr. Muslim has committed to remain within the European Union's jurisdiction and to be available to judicial authorities if proceedings regarding the extradition request continue. No date has yet been set for a hearing regarding the extradition request. The Turkish government considers the Democratic Union Party to be 'terrorist' due to its ties with Kurdish militants in Turkey. Earlier this month, the Turkish government placed Saleh Muslim on its wanted list and offered a one-million-dollar reward for his capture. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu described the Czech judiciary's decision as a 'scandal.' He stated during a visit to Algeria that the Turkish Foreign Ministry has officially protested this decision and will follow up on the matter. Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ said the court's decision would negatively impact relations between Turkey and the Czech Republic, adding that 'this decision clearly means support for terrorism.' Before the court's ruling, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım stated that the court's decision would be a 'test' of the Czech Republic's attention and sensitivity in the fight against terrorism and its solidarity with another NATO member. Mr. Yıldırım added, 'Whatever the outcome of the court, these leaders of terrorist cells will no longer be able to operate freely. We will continue our actions to make their lives intolerable.' The Democratic Union Party is a significant political force in northern Syria, and Saleh Muslim still holds considerable influence within the party even after stepping down from his co-leadership position last year. On January 20, the Turkish government launched its military operation in northern Syria aimed at clearing the Afrin region of Kurdish militants known as the People's Protection Units. The People's Protection Units are the military wing of the Democratic Union Party and have been supported by the U.S. in the fight against the Islamic State group.