Turkish court acquits Dutch activist of PKK propaganda
A court in the southeastern city of Diyarbakır ruled yesterday for the acquittal of Dutch activist Frederike Geerdink on charges of spreading propaganda of the terrorist organization the PKK. The ruling comes about one week after a prosecutor asked for her acquittal. Geerdink, known for the staunchly pro-PKK articles she penned, was facing a prison term up to five years. The activist attended the second hearing of her trial in Diyarbakır where she has a residence. The prosecutor reiterated his indictment and said there was no evidence of Geerdink actively carrying out pro-PKK propaganda such as "hanging any items, banners, emblems, pictures related to the terrorist organization in any place or wearing an uniform with PKK insignia," as was claimed. A panel of judges ordered her acquittal for the lack of evidence. Speaking to journalists after her acquittal, Geerdink said she appreciated the ruling, adding, "it would be better if there was not a lawsuit (against me) at a