American journalist arrested in Turkey to be prosecuted for crossing border illegally

ANKARA, Turkey, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of State on Wednesday confirmed American journalist Lindsey Snell was arrested by Turkey and charged with violating a military zone.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Snell was arrested Aug. 7 and is being held in a Hatay Province prison. Representatives from the American consulate in Adana visited Snell and are providing support.

"The embassy and the department are following this case closely," Kirby said during a press briefing. "State Department officials have been in contact with Turkish government officials regarding this case."

Kirby said Snell was in Syria and traveled into Turkey, suggesting she possibly entered an off-limits military zone. Kirby said he does not know if her arrest is related to her profession.

Hatay Governor Ercan Topaca told the Anadolu Agency that Snell was captured "trying to cross the border illegally."

"She was taken to court and remanded. The trial phase is ongoing. For now, we do not know if she is a spy or not," Topaca said.