Critical Syrian columnist Hüsnü Mahalli, who has been writing for Turkish newspapers for years, was detained on Tuesday night after pro-government media targeted him for his stance on the Syrian war.
Police raided the İstanbul home of Mahalli, who currently writes for the Yurt daily. Main opposition deputy Barış Yarkadaş announced Mahalli’s detention on Twitter, saying that the Syrian columnist is accused of humiliating the Republic of Turkey and insulting its statesmen.
Erkan Tan, a host for the staunchly pro-government A Haber TV, recently targeted Mahalli, calling him “the dog who belongs to a murderer,” in reference to embattled Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.
