An investigation was launched against journalist Yunus Önal when he was working as Kurdish editor for Sputnik. Önal was blocked by police officers as he was heading home and was taken into custody on March 18, 2016. Remaining in custody for two days, Önal was released following the prosecutor’s office’s questioning.
Public Prosecutor Nedim Özbey prepared for him the indictment based on dancing the halay with the song “Oremar”, attending a press conference on education in mother tongue, and witness statement. Bitlis 2nd Heavy Penal Court accepted the indictment and opened the case on the TCK 314/2 over “membership in a terrorist organisation”
Yunus Önal has been sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison in the suit he is charged with “membership in a terrorist organisation” for dancing the halay and attending certain events.