Ex-PYD/PKK co-leader to appear before Prague court

PRAGUE, Czech Republic

The former co-leader of PYD/PKK terrorist group, Salih Muslum, will appear before a court in the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said Muslum was expected to appear before a court in the Czech Republic on Monday; however, his court hearing was postponed.

The Chief Prosecutor's Office in Prague said the postponement had been made to review a file concerning the case, Turkish Ambassador Ahmet Necati Bigali told Anadolu Agency.

In an interview with Turkish channel NTV in capital Ankara, Bozdag said: "Turkey expects Salih Muslum -- who is a leader of a terrorist group and still actively plotting terrorist attacks against Turkey -- to be extradited to our country as per the law requirements between our countries." 

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.