British Ex-Soldier Detained On Terror Charges

Reports have emerged suggesting that a former British soldier who went to Syria to fight against the Islamic State terror group has been charged with ‘terror membership’ in Turkey.

Joe Robinson, from Lancashire, was detained while on holiday last month with his girlfriend and her mother.

His solicitor has now said that he has been charged with terror membership.

Mr Robinson fought alongside the People's Protection Units of Syrian Kurdistan (YPG) against IS.

However, Turkey is hostile to the YPG because of links with the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which is fighting for Kurdish autonomy in Turkey.

Solicitor Kaya Sertkaya told the Guardian that Mr Robinson was being kept in his cell for 23 hours a day.

His girlfriend Mira Rojkan, who according to her Facebook page is originally from Bulgaria, has been charged with propaganda for sharing pro-Kurdish material online.

The family have reportedly sent a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May asking for her help.

An online petition calling for his release has gained more than 3,000 signatures since being set up at the end of July.

Following Mr Robinson's arrest, the Kurdistan Solidarity Campaign said:

 "Unfortunately, Joe has gone on holiday to Turkey not realising the kind of state it has now become.

"Turkey unfortunately continues to criminalize the Kurdish question and has jailed tens of thousands of Kurdish people, including elected MPs and mayors simply for peacefully campaigning for Kurdish rights."

A Foreign Office spokesman said:

 "We are aware of the detention of a British national in Turkey and have requested consular access. We are providing support to the family and remain in contact with Turkish authorities."

Cover image a library photo of YPG forces.