Syrian DJ andproducer Omar Souleyman has been released from custody. The development follows his arrest in Turkey last week on suspected terrorist ties.
Speaking to Agence France-Presse, Souleyman’s lawyer, Reşit Tuna, said he was being held on “terrorist propaganda” charges in southeast Turkey. He was originally detained in the city of Şanlıurfa, where he has run a bakery ever since escaping the Syrian civil war in 2011.
During his detention, Turkish authorities questioned Souleyman over alleged ties to the People’s Protection Unit (PPU). The PPU is an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is designated a terrorist organization by the Turkish government and its western allies (including the U.S.).
Authorities had him in custody for 24 hours at a Şanlıurfa police station before being moving him to a detention center for people due to be deported from Turkey. After denying any involvement with the militant organization, Souleyman was released without charge.
Beginning his career as a prolific wedding singer in Syria, Souleyman eventually gained international attention and now regularly tours around the globe. Four Tet produced his 2013 album, Wenu Wenu, along with his 2015 album, Bahdeni Nami. His most recent album, Shlon, was released on Diplo‘s record label Mad Decent.
