Sacked Diyarbekir Mayor Selçuk Mızraklı has been sentenced to 9 years and 4 months in prison for "membership of a terrorist organization."

Mızraklı, according to a Bianet article, was dismissed from his post by the Turkish Ministry of Interior on August 19, 2019 on the grounds of a "terrorism-related" investigation against him.

A criminal case was launched against him and he was remanded to custody on October 21.

Mızraklı has denied the charges and has accused the Ankara government of illegally overturning his election as mayor.

His attorneys say they will appeal the sentence at the European Court of Human Rights.

Photo: Mezopotamya Agency