On the first anniversary of the devastating 6 Feburary earthquakes , the initial hearing of the trial against sociologist-author Veli Saçılık, accused of criticizing AFAD (the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Turkey) in his social media posts, took place.
Saçılık is being tried under the 'disinformation law' for his post criticizing the rescue efforts during the earthquake. He suggested that by declaring, “We will not allow any individual or organization other than AFAD,” lives were left at risk. The trial's first hearing was conducted under Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code, which addresses the crime of “spreading misleading information publicly,” at the Ankara 10th Criminal Court of First Instance. Saçılık and his attorney, Senem Doğanoğlu, were present.
In the hearing, Saçılık defended himself, stating, "If there is a crime here, it's on those who, despite all warnings, failed to take necessary precautions and were inadequate in their response post-earthquake."
Starting his defense by reminding the court that it was the anniversary of the earthquake and paying respects to those who lost their lives, Saçılık said:
"It’s the first anniversary of the earthquake, and the initiation of such a trial today, I believe, deserves acknowledgment," Saçılık continued, "I am accused of spreading lies. We are talking about an earthquake in which more than 53,000 people lost their lives, according to official figures. On that day, a close friend's family waited under the rubble for days. I shared a video they recorded, saying, 'The first three days were crucial for earthquake rescue efforts. There were voices from all the rubble, yet they left people to die by declaring that no one but AFAD would be allowed.' If there is a crime, it lies with those who failed to take necessary precautions before the earthquake, were inadequate in their response afterwards, and abandoned people to their suffering. Their lack of action led to so many deaths. They couldn't even organize the delivery of aid. I voiced the screams of those people. That scream was everyone's."
During Saçılık's statement, the prosecutor interrupted, asking, "Was this an opinion, or was it based on data?" Saçılık replied, "This is not just an opinion, the data is clear. Then and now, everyone is discussing the government's responsibility. This government has openly committed a crime against the public, and I am proud to have stood against it."
Attorney Doğanoğlu then presented interviews conducted by experts on the lack of preparedness for earthquakes. She remarked on the timing of the hearing, "Today is the anniversary of the earthquake. I don't know if you deliberately set the hearing for February 6, but I'm glad you did," expressing her disapproval of the choice of date.
Doğanoğlu recalled that in the initial days following the earthquake, no organization other than AFAD was permitted to intervene. She requested that two witnesses who lost relatives in the earthquake zone be heard.
Doğanoğlu stated, "If the prosecution claims 'this is not true information,' then let's bring in dozens of witnesses from the earthquake zone."
Following the defenses, the hearing concluded. Saçılık was exempted from attending future hearings. The trial was postponed to May 23 at 10:00 AM for examination of the submitted footage and the hearing of the two witnesses.
