Turkish court frees Syrian singer Omar Souleyman from custody

A Turkish court on Nov. 19 released world-famous Syrian singer Omar Souleyman from custody two days after he was detained on terrorism charges. Although Souleyman is currently free, it is not yet known whether Turkish prosecutors will decide to prosecute him or not.

Friday November 19 2021 02:19 pm

Omar Souleyman during the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo in 2013.

Reuters - Duvar English

Syrian musician Omar Souleyman was released from custody in Turkey on Nov. 19, his manager and a local security source said, two days after he was detained for alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Omar Almasikh - the singer's real name - was allowed to walk free by a local court in Turkey's southeastern province of Şanlıurfa after giving a statement to security forces, the source said.

After beginning his career performing at weddings and other events in northern Syria, Omar Souleyman's upbeat electronic music won him international fame in recent years.

He has released several albums and collaborated with musicians such as Bjork and Four Tet, as well as playing at Britain's Glastonbury Festival and a 2013 concert for the Nobel Peace Prize award.

He has lived in Şanlıurfa for about a decade after leaving Syria, like some 3.6 million Syrian refugees in Turkey who fled the 10-year war.

The musician was accused of being a member of the PKK, which is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU.

His manager denied the allegation that he belongs to any militant group.

Turkey frequently detains people for alleged links to the PKK.

Omar Souleyman has said his lively music that blends electronic and folk music is influenced by elements of Arabic, Kurdish and other cultures in the region.