Czech court releases former PYD/PKK co-leader Salih Muslum

A Czech court ruled on Tuesday to free the former co-leader of the PYD/PKK terrorist group despite Turkey's extradition request.

"The court ruled Mr. Muslum will be released," a spokeswoman for the Prague Municipal Court, Marketa Puci, said, adding the ruling had taken legal effect as both the state attorney and the defence gave up their rights to appeal.

"The court accepted a promise by Mr. Muslum that he will remain on EU territory and will be attending court hearings."

Muslum's lawyer Miroslav Krutina told reporters his client had promised the court not to obstruct further proceedings.

The ruling means the Turkish extradition request can still go forward and will be considered by the Czech state attorneys, and by courts if the state attorney finds it relevant.

“It’s a verdict we did not expect. We are saddened that Salih Muslum, who was involved in many terror events in Turkey, has been released. We are disappointed in the decision. This was a decision contrary to the European criminal justice agreement. Unfortunately, the Czech court has ruled against our bilateral ties. This decision may have a negative effect on our bilateral relations,” said Turkey’s Ambassador to Prague Ahmet Necati Bigalı.

Muslum's arrest on Sunday came after Turkey called on the Czech Republic to arrest the former co-leader of the terrorist group and sent warrants for his arrest to Prague. The Turkish Interior Ministry had offered a bounty of nearly $1 million on Muslum, listing him as a most-wanted terrorist.

Earlier on Tuesday, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım called on the Czech Republic to extradite Salih Muslum, former co-leader of the terrorist group PYD/PKK.

"Today is exam day for our NATO ally the Czech Republic," Yıldırım told his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party parliamentary group meeting.

Muslum is accused of disrupting the unity and territorial integrity of the state, homicide, attempted homicide, damaging public property and transferring a hazardous substance.

The PYD/PKK is a Syrian offshoot of the PKK which has been designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.