[intro]Artist Fears Extradition from UK to Turkey If Court Case Fails[/intro]

The BBC reports on a British painter who has lived in Turkey for nearly a quarter Century who was forced to flee after hints he might be jailed for insulting the Prime Minister with his satirical work, “Good Boy.” Michael Dickinson fled the country as second trial was being prepared–his first resulted in the ruling that his work was art and protected. Here’s what he told the BBC:

“I caught a plane out as soon as I could, leaving most of my possessions behind, including my books, furnishings and computer.

“I was sad to leave after 23 years, but I don’t fancy another taste of Turkish hospitality in incarceration.

“I came back thinking I would be safe, but I’ve since learnt that Britain has an extradition treaty with Turkey and that if there was a request, Britain could send me back to Turkey if they so wished.

“I would love to return to Turkey, but I would want to do so after being acquitted, not forced to return to face trial.”

Artist Flees Over Insult Piece (BBC News)