Court adjourns hearing of journalist Arif Aslan
Van - 11th hearing of the trial where journalist Arif Aslan faces “membership in a terrorist organization” charges was held today. Panel of judges accepted the extension request of the defense lawyers, and set the next hearing date as March 18.
Journalist Aslan, whom Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) defends, was taken into police custody on March 31, 2017 while filming in front of the Van Municipality Building is being charged with “membership in a terrorist organization.” The prosecutor had presented their final opinion as to the accusations during the previous hearing, which was held on February 11, and requested the punishment of Aslan.
Lawyers of Aslan, Murat Timur, Cihat Durmaz and Erselan Aktan filed a written extension request before the hearing, which was planned to be held at Van 5th High Criminal Court. The panel of judges accepted their request and adjourned the hearing until March 18.