Büşra Genel
A Turkish court has dismissed a compensation lawsuit filed by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) against prominent economist and writer Mustafa Sönmez over his criticism of the agency's inflation data.
The first hearing of the case, which was based on allegations of “insult and defamation against public officials,” took place at the Ankara 21st Civil Court of First Instance.
TÜİK accused Sönmez of violating the personal rights of public officials and making defamatory remarks in his public criticisms of the institute's inflation figures. However, the court ruled to reject the case.
The hearing was attended by representatives of the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmaker Kayıhan Pala, journalist and author Zafer Arapkirli, media ombudsman Faruk Bildirici, Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK) Secretary General Tayfun Görgün, and CHP Ankara Provincial Vice Chair Pınar Akgül Doğusoy.
Sönmez's lawyer, Hüsna Aydın, argued in her defense statement that her client’s remarks fell within the scope of freedom of expression and press freedom. “There is no defamation in the posts in question; the allegations reflect a malicious, decontextualized interpretation. Therefore, I request the acquittal of my client under the protection of freedom of expression and press,” she said.
In his own defense statement, Mustafa Sönmez, who has worked with TÜİK data for over 50 years, said he had not engaged in insults or defamation. “There are clear issues with the quality and measurement in TÜİK’s inflation data,” he said. “As a media professional, I have both the right and the duty to criticize. These figures determine the income levels of millions.”
Following the statements, the court announced its decision to dismiss the case.
