A series of key trials concerning freedom of expression will resume this week across multiple courts in Istanbul. From the long-running "KCK Press Trial" to prosecutions over interviews supporting Palestine, journalists, activists, and students will once again appear before judges over news reports, social media posts, and participation in protests.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
09:55: The second hearing in the trial of ETHA reporter Elif Bayburt will be held at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. The case stems from an interview she conducted with Rob Sadler from the International Solidarity Movement. Bayburt is charged with “publicly insulting the Republic of Turkey, its government, judiciary, military and police institutions.”
10:33: The first hearing in a condemnation lawsuit against journalist Onur Öncü, represented by MLSA, will take place at the Istanbul 22nd Civil Court of First Instance. The case was filed at the request of Milat newspaper columnist and National Strategy Platform Chair Özlem Doğan. In a previous criminal case based on the same allegations, the court had sentenced Öncü to a judicial fine of TL 1,740 for insult.
10:35: The Istanbul 39th Criminal Court of First Instance will hear the first session of a case against journalist Zeynep Kuray—represented by MLSA—alongside Mahsum Sağlam, Pelin Laçin, Yadigar Aygün, and Yağmur Filiz. The five are charged under the Law No. 2911 on Assemblies and Demonstrations for attempting to participate in a commemoration in Şişhane for journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin, who were killed in Syria.
10:40: The 35th hearing in the "KCK Press Trial," originally filed in 2011, will be held at the Istanbul 3rd High Criminal Court. The case involves 46 journalists from now-closed Kurdish media outlets such as Özgür Gündem, Azadiya Welat, Dicle News Agency and Fırat Distribution. Charges include “membership in a terrorist organization,” “leadership of a terrorist organization,” and “propaganda.” Among the defendants is journalist Dilek Demiral, represented by MLSA.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
10:00: The 8th hearing in the trial of journalist Umut Taştan and 50 others will be held at the Istanbul 44th Criminal Court of First Instance. The case stems from their detention during a protest held in response to the Gezi Park demonstrations. The defendants are charged with “resisting to prevent duty” and “participating in an unlawful assembly and failing to disperse despite warnings.”
Thursday, Dec. 18
09:40: A hearing in the case against journalist Can Dündar will take place at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. The case relates to an article titled “The most useful judge of the palace regime” published during the “Editor-in-Chief on Watch” campaign, held in solidarity with Özgür Gündem newspaper. Dündar is charged with “insulting a public official,” with then-Istanbul 1st Criminal Judgeship of Peace Judge Bekir Altun listed as the complainant.
10:20: The second hearing in the trial of human rights defender Nurcan Kaya will be held at the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court. Kaya, represented by MLSA, faces charges of “membership in a terrorist organization” and “violation of the Law on the Prevention of the Financing of Terrorism.”
Friday, Dec. 19
10:00: The second hearing in the trial of students Esila Ayık, Efe Erdoğan, and Arda Öğüşlü will take place at the Istanbul Anatolian 77th Criminal Court of First Instance. They are charged with “insulting the president.” The defendants, who are currently in pre-trial detention, will be brought to the courtroom from prison. In the previous hearing, observers, journalists, and lawyers were reportedly not allowed to enter the courtroom.
