Turkish authorities release Syrian journalist in banana satire video

Turkish authorities earlier this week released a Syrian journalist who was arrested for taking part in banana-based satire mocking socioeconomic conditions in Turkey.

Majed Shamaa’s lawyer, Mohammad Ali Hartawi, confirmed his defendant’s release on Monday.

Shamaa returned to Istanbul from Gaziantep on Tuesday. There had been reports previously that he was going to be deported to Syria, which drew criticism from human rights group who complained Syrians returning to their country were in danger.

He posted a picture on Facebook, thanking the "free Syrian people" for their trust and interaction with him.

"Stay tuned for new videos," he wrote.

Shamaa was among seven Syrians detained who had posted videos showing themselves eating bananas. The videos were posted in response to footage showing a Turkish man berating a Syrian woman for buying bananas and blaming refugees for his inability to buy fruit himself.

He faced charges of insulting the Turkish state and people.

Syrian refugees face widespread hostility in Turkey where hate crime has spiked in recent years. Politicians are capitalising on this as the country gears up for elections.