Syria trip soldier released from jail
THE family of a former Accrington soldier who has been charged with terror offences in Turkey have told of their relief after he was finally released from jail by military forces.
Joe Robinson was arrested four months ago while on holiday with his girlfriend and her mother and later accused of membership of a terrorist organisation having travelled to war-torn Syria.
The 24-year-old denied the charge when appearing at a Turkish court last week, claiming he travelled to Syria to provide medical aid.
Lawyer Mehmet Baykara said the court in western Turkey ordered him to be released from jail on Friday, November 24, on condition that he regularly reports to police.
The trial was adjourned until March 12, 2018.
His Bulgarian fiancee Mira Rojkan, who is accused of engaging in terrorist propaganda, was released on bail earlier.
Mr Robinson’s family went from ‘elation to despair’ after discovering upon his release that he was then being held by the Gendarmerie General Command - a service branch of the Turkish armed forces.
His stepfather Mark Chimejczuk said he was locked up in a room with ‘no bed or blankets’ amid confusion about whether or not he was being deported.
In a post on Facebook on Saturday, he wrote: “The Gendarmerie commander informed us that Joe was being deported on Monday and kept there until then.
“This was all very emotional, from elation to despair and up and down.
“It was midnight when we found Joe, the Gendarmerie commander was very understanding and let us see Joe.
“I got to hug him and tell him I love him.”
In another post on Monday, Mr Chimejczuk spoke of his joy after the Gendarmerie confirmed his release.
Mr Chimejczuk wrote: “He is being released. We are with him at last, he is a little overwhelmed but very happy to be free and with his family at last.
“Feel like I am back in the real world again, love having my son back. Thank you for all your support and positive energy.”
An online petition calling for Mr Robinson’s release has gained more than 4,600 signatures since being set up at the end of July.
A JustGiving page to raise money for his family and legal fees has also raised £650.