Van’s 2. Criminal Court sentenced Botan to 18 years in prison for “harming the integrity of the state”, “making propaganda for a terrorist organization” and “being a member of a terrorist organization”.

Botan’s lawyers said that there is no indication of a violent crime in the prosecutors' indictment and Botan is basically sentenced for his speeches in several locations.

The court acquitted another HDP MP Adem Geveri for the same allegations.