Istanbul court deports arrested ‘NTV’ film crew from Turkey

An Istanbul court has ordered the release of Russian nationals Ivan Malyshkin and Alexey Petrushko, reports RIA Novosti, citing a source familiar with the situation surrounding their arrest.

Malyshkin, a camera operator, and Petrushko, a correspondent, both work from the Russian television channel NTV. They were arrested in Istanbul on December 3, while filming a report about a drone plant. The Turkish authorities later reported that the crew was filming in a restricted area without permission. 

According to RIA Novosti’s source, both Malyshkin and Petrushko will soon be deported from Turkey. In turn, NTV reported that Turkish prosecutors refrained from bringing charges against the Russian nationals. 

A Turkish journalist who was helping the NTV crew was also detained. She has since been released, as well.