At the second hearing in the trial of Etkin News Agency (ETHA) reporter Müslüm Koyun, who is charged with membership in a terrorist organization, the court ordered his release. The court also decided to merge the case with another case and adjourned the hearing until Oct. 27.
The second hearing in the trial of Etkin News Agency (ETHA) reporter Müslüm Koyun, who is charged with membership in a terrorist organization, was held at the Istanbul 22nd High Criminal Court. The court ordered Koyun's release.
Koyun and his lawyers attended the hearing at the Istanbul Courthouse in the Çağlayan district. After the identity verification process, Koyun reiterated his previous defense statements. Describing himself as a socialist, Koyun said his journalistic work and political activities had been made the basis of the charges against him. He denied the allegations and requested acquittal.
Koyun's lawyer also argued that the charges against his client were baseless and requested his release and acquittal.
A witness who testified at the hearing said he did not know Koyun. The witness also said his statements during the investigation had been taken under pressure.
The prosecutor requested that Koyun remain in pretrial detention.
The panel of judges decided to merge the current case with another case involving Koyun. The court then ordered Koyun's release and adjourned the hearing until Oct. 27.
Meanwhile, on the day of the hearing, the area around the Istanbul Courthouse was cordoned off with barriers and access was restricted. Under measures that had been in place since the beginning of the week, members of the public and journalists without a turquoise press card were not allowed to enter the courthouse. Security officials said the restrictions were part of security measures taken due to an "important trial" but did not specify which case they were referring to.
What happened?
Müslüm Koyun was arrested as part of a Feb. 3 operation targeting the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP). He was later charged with membership in a terrorist organization.
The first hearing in the case was held at the Istanbul 22nd High Criminal Court. In his defense statement, Koyun said his journalistic activities and political views had been made the subject of prosecution and denied the charges against him. At the first hearing, the court ruled that he should remain in pretrial detention and adjourned the case until the second hearing on July 16.
