EYLEM SONBAHAR
Turkish filmmaker Kazım Öz was acquitted on Friday of charges of “terrorist propaganda” in a trial that stemmed from scenes and wall graffiti shown in his 2017 film Zer. The Istanbul 24th High Criminal Court ruled that there was insufficient evidence of the “specific intent” required to convict him under the country’s anti-terrorism laws.
The case was based on graffiti appearing in the 67th and 69th minutes of Zer, a drama that tells the story of a Turkish-American man uncovering his family’s Kurdish roots. Prosecutors argued the graffiti amounted to propaganda for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Turkey, the United States, and the European Union designate as a terrorist organization.
Öz and his lawyer Kürşat Bafra were present at the fifth hearing of the trial, held in Istanbul. The courtroom was also attended by supporters, including academic Can Candan, actor Orhan Aydın, and representatives from the Cinema Workers' Union.
During the hearing, the prosecutor reiterated the final opinion previously submitted on March 13, claiming that the propaganda had been disseminated via the film's YouTube release and that the content exceeded the boundaries of artistic expression and political criticism.
In his defense statement, Öz said, “I did not commit a crime. I request my acquittal.” His lawyer argued that the offense of propaganda requires specific criminal intent and that Öz did not act with such intent.
After a brief recess, the court issued its verdict, concluding that there was no sufficient evidence to prove Öz had the necessary intent to commit the crime, and therefore acquitted him.
Öz is known for films dealing with Kurdish identity, social issues, and political conflict in Turkey. He has previously faced pressure and censorship due to the political nature of his work. Rights groups have frequently criticized Turkey for criminalizing artistic expression and using broad anti-terror laws to silence dissent.
