Turkey will not swap Czech suspects for terrorist PYD/PKK leader

Turkey's Justice Minister Abdülhamit Gül said on Tuesday that it is out of question for Turkey to swap two Czech suspects with PYD/PKK terrorist group leader Salih Muslum.

Speaking to reporters in parliament, Gül said Turkey expected the Czech court, due to discuss the case on Tuesday, to rule for the temporary detention of Muslum for 16-40 days, during which time Ankara can deliver its extradition request.

Muslum's arrest came after Turkey called on the Czech Republic to arrest the former co-leader of terrorist group and sent warrants for his arrest to Prague, the official added.

The Turkish Interior Ministry has offered a bounty of nearly $1 million on Muslum, who is listed as a most-wanted terrorist.

Czech authorities had earlier asked Turkey to submit necessary documents for Muslum’s extradition.

Turkish security officials and the Ministry of Justice have begun the administrative process for the extradition of Muslum.

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