Turkish courts reject bids by Kurdish lawmakers detained on trial

Bids by five Kurdish lawmakers to be released from detention while on trial were rejected by Turkish courts on Monday, reports Reuters.

The individuals were detained and charged with links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in 2010.

The decision by the courts is being considered contentious as the ruling comes following Turkey's top court ruling earlier this month that the prolonged detention of another deputy awaiting trial was unconstitutional.

Earlier this year the leader of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, called for an immediate ceasefire with Turkey, raising hopes of a successful peace process. The release of political prisoners has been a key demand of the PKK.

After announcing a withdrawal of its cadre from Turkey in Spring, the PKK halted the withdrawal, accusing the Turkish military of carrying out ongoing military activity despite the peace process.

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