Deniz Tekin
A High Criminal Court in the southeastern Turkish city of Diyarbakır has ruled to keep in place a travel ban on journalist Abdurrahman Gök, who faces up to 20 years in prison on charges related to his reporting. The decision came during the sixth hearing in a case where Gök is accused of “membership in a terrorist organization” and “making terrorist propaganda.”
The Mezopotamya Agency (MA) editor was previously detained for 225 days and is being prosecuted based on news reports he produced, phone calls with fellow journalists, social security records showing employment at MA, and testimony from a secret witness. The trial is taking place at the Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court.
Gök attended the hearing alongside his lawyers. Observers included representatives from journalist unions and rights groups, such as Selman Çiçek, co-chair of the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG); Hakkı Boltan, regional representative of DİSK Basın-İş; Felat Bozarslan, head of the Southeastern Journalists Association (GGC); and members of the Diyarbakır branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD).
In his defense statement, Gök reiterated his request to have the travel ban lifted, a demand he has voiced in every hearing. He stated that he has been unable to work in conflict zones due to the restriction and argued that the judicial control measure should be removed.
Defense lawyer Resul Temur pointed out that a previous investigation against another journalist, Sofya Alağaş, based on testimony from the same secret witness—identified with the code name K8Ç4B3L1T5—was dismissed. He argued that similar grounds should lead to a dismissal in Gök's case as well. Temur also emphasized that his client posed no flight risk and that it was unlikely Gök would be granted asylum if he traveled abroad legally.
Attorney Mehmet Emin Aktar added that Gök is a well-known journalist and that the ongoing travel ban has caused him undue hardship, equivalent to detention. He urged the court to lift the restriction, which has been in effect for three years.
However, the court rejected the request and decided to maintain the judicial control order. It also ruled to inquire with the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office about the status of another investigation launched in 2024. The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2025.
Press freedom highlighted on Kurdish Journalists Day
Following the hearing, Gök and several journalist representatives marked Kurdish Journalists Day, observed on April 22 to commemorate the first publication of the newspaper Kurdistan in Cairo in 1898. Speaking outside the courthouse, DFG’s Selman Çiçek said, “We would have liked to celebrate today, but instead we’re in court. It is a disgrace for the Turkish judiciary to have journalists standing trial on such a day—it’s a stain on Turkish democracy.”
Hakkı Boltan added that the trials and pressure on journalists have intensified even on days that should celebrate press freedom. “Kurdish journalists will continue to work for the public’s right to information. Journalism is not a crime—keep your hands off journalists,” he said.
Background on the case
Abdurrahman Gök was arrested on April 25 during police raids conducted in Diyarbakır as part of a broader investigation. The indictment prepared by the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor's Office accuses him of membership in a terrorist organization and spreading propaganda.
Evidence cited includes articles published by Mezopotamya Agency, promotional content for books, books found in Gök’s personal library, social media posts containing news stories, and phone calls with other journalists. Records showing that his social security contributions were paid by Mezopotamya Agency were also used as evidence.
In a previous hearing on Dec. 5, 2023, Gök was released from pretrial detention but remained under judicial control, including a travel ban.
