During the week of April 7–12, Turkish courts held a wave of hearings in freedom of expression cases across several cities, with at least 14 journalists, three artists, and four politicians facing charges such as “terrorist propaganda,” “insulting the president,” and violations of the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations. The week’s court activity resulted in a mix of acquittals, postponed hearings, and convictions. Below are some of the week’s key developments:
Trial over memorial for slain Syrian-based journalists postponed
The first hearing in the case against journalists and politicians who attended a memorial for Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin—two reporters killed while covering the war in Syria—was held on April 11 at Istanbul’s 25th High Criminal Court. The defendants, including 10 journalists, two politicians, and two young people, are charged with “terrorist propaganda” and violating the Law on Assemblies.
During the hearing, defendants stated that attending the memorial was a constitutional right and described being subjected to torture and ill-treatment during their detention. The court separated the cases of five individuals charged only under Article 2911 and referred them to a lower court, while postponing the main case to May 27, 2025, to allow the prosecutor to prepare a final opinion.
Journalist Sibel Hürtaş acquitted in insult case
Journalist Sibel Hürtaş was acquitted by the Ankara 55th Criminal Court of First Instance in a case accusing her of insulting a police officer. The court ruled that the offense did not occur, dismissing the complaint brought by officer Kadriye Yayla. Hürtaş and her lawyer were present at the hearing, which began with a delay but proceeded without incident.
Prosecutor criticized for premature opinion in Eskişehir Pride trial
In a trial concerning the Eskişehir Pride March, the prosecutor submitted a final opinion before an expert report was presented, drawing criticism from the defense. Ten activists are charged with resisting police and violating the Law on Assemblies. At the third hearing on April 11 at the Eskişehir 16th Criminal Court of First Instance, defense lawyers requested additional time. The trial was postponed to April 30.
Filmmaker Kazım Öz acquitted over "Zer" film
Director Kazım Öz was acquitted by the Istanbul 24th High Criminal Court of charges of “terrorist propaganda” over scenes in his film Zer. The court found no intent or sufficient elements to support the charge. The film had drawn legal scrutiny after being uploaded to YouTube, where authorities pointed to two scenes with graffiti. Öz denied responsibility for the slogans, saying they were not written by his team. The acquittal came at the fifth hearing.
Parents of Berkin Elvan sentenced in insult case
Gülsüm and Sami Elvan, parents of Berkin Elvan—a teenager killed by police during the 2013 Gezi Park protests—were convicted by the Istanbul 43rd Criminal Court of First Instance for statements they made about President Erdoğan. Gülsüm Elvan received a sentence of 11 months and 20 days, while Sami Elvan was sentenced to 1 year, 2 months, and 17 days in prison. The trial was open to the public and attended by journalists.
Journalist Neşe İdil acquitted over social media posts
Journalist Neşe İdil was acquitted of charges related to her 2023 social media posts, which prosecutors claimed insulted religious values and praised crime and criminals. Represented by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), İdil was tried at the Istanbul 60th Criminal Court of First Instance, which ruled that the elements of the alleged offenses were not present.
Hasankeyf protest case postponed due to fugitive defendants
The trial of 32 people—including journalist Sonya Bayık—detained during a press statement in Hasankeyf was postponed by the Batman 9th Criminal Court of First Instance. The defendants are accused of violating the Law on Assemblies. The court is awaiting the execution of arrest warrants for several fugitive defendants and rescheduled the hearing for September 16.
Arrest warrant pending in Ferhat Tunç case
In a trial against artist Ferhat Tunç, who is accused of “membership in a terrorist organization” and “terrorist propaganda,” the Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court said it could not proceed until an outstanding arrest warrant is carried out. Neither Tunç nor his lawyer was present. The court adjourned the case to July 8.
Kurdish-language broadcaster Mehmet Şahin's trial delayed
The trial of Mehmet Şahin, known for his Zazaki-language TV programs, was postponed by the Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court to June 19. Şahin is charged with “membership in a terrorist organization,” and the court ruled that a secret witness will testify at the next hearing. Şahin gave his defense in Turkish at the April 10 hearing.
These cases form part of a broader pattern in Turkey, where the judiciary continues to prosecute journalists, artists, and activists under anti-terror and public order laws that rights groups say are frequently used to stifle dissent and curtail freedom of expression.
