EYLEM SONBAHAR
Journalist Can Ataklı was sentenced to 10 months in prison for "inciting hatred and enmity among the public" during the third hearing of his trial at the Istanbul 5th Criminal Court of First Instance. The court suspended the sentence, meaning it will not be enforced unless Ataklı commits another offense within the probationary period.
Ataklı was tried for remarks he made during a YouTube broadcast, where he commented on a statement made by the father of a soldier who died in a conflict in the Pençe-Kilit military operation zone. The prosecution argued that his comments incited hostility among the public.
During the hearing, Ataklı’s lawyer, Rabia Bayram, explained that Ataklı could not attend due to health issues. Meanwhile, the plaintiff's lawyers, representing MEMUR-SEN (Confederation of Public Servants Trade Unions) and the Turkish States Martyrs' Families and Veterans Foundation, insisted that Ataklı had deliberately avoided attending court sessions to delay the trial. They also accused Ataklı of regularly disparaging those who do not share his views and called for his punishment.
Following the prosecutor’s final opinion, which recommended a sentence, Bayram argued that the elements of the crime were not present and requested Ataklı’s acquittal. However, the court found Ataklı guilty of "inciting hatred and enmity" and sentenced him to 10 months in prison. The sentence was suspended, allowing Ataklı to avoid immediate imprisonment.
This case stems from Ataklı's critical remarks during a YouTube broadcast, which plaintiffs argued incited divisions within society, a charge he and his defense team denied.
