Eylem Sonbahar
A lawsuit against journalist İdris Yılmaz, filed over his social media post alleging police violence during protests in Van, has been dismissed. The case revolved around Yılmaz’s April 3, 2024, post claiming that police assaulted civilians during demonstrations against the denial of office to Abdullah Zeydan, co-mayor-elect of Van from the Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party).
Yılmaz’s post read: "It is alleged that police in Van are randomly assaulting civilians. A civilian walking on Cumhuriyet Street was attacked by dozens of police officers." The post led to charges of "inciting the public to disobey the law," "openly inciting hatred and hostility," and "spreading false information to the public."
The second hearing of the case took place at the Erciş 4th Criminal Court of First Instance. Yılmaz, represented by his attorney Hazal Sümeli and defended by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), did not attend. Sümeli participated via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBIS) from the Istanbul 50th Criminal Court of First Instance.
During the hearing, Sümeli highlighted a prior ruling by the Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which determined that no further investigation was warranted for Yılmaz’s post. "In the interest of legal security, we request that our client be acquitted," Sümeli stated.
The prosecutor presented their final opinion, requesting dismissal of the case. Sümeli reiterated her call for Yılmaz’s acquittal.
The court ruled to dismiss the case, citing the definitive non-prosecution decision by the Van Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the contested post.
