Dicle Müftüoğlu, editor of Mezopotamya News Agency (MA) and co-chair of the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG), has been acquitted of charges of "establishing and leading a terrorist organization" and "membership in a terrorist organization." Müftüoğlu, who had been detained for 306 days, was cleared of all charges at the fifth hearing of her trial held at the Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court.
The case, which centered on Müftüoğlu’s journalism activities, had raised widespread concerns about press freedom. The court ruled that the legal elements of the charges had not been met, leading to her acquittal.
Accusations rooted in journalism activities
In her defense, Müftüoğlu emphasized that the case was an attempt to criminalize her journalism. "This trial is not just a trial of me but of journalism itself. I have been a journalist for more than 15 years and have fought for press and freedom of expression, particularly through the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association," she said. Müftüoğlu pointed out that the charges were based entirely on her work at MA and DFG, and not on any illegal activities.
She criticized the prosecution for framing her professional suggestions as an editor as "instructions," calling it a clear attempt to criminalize her role as a journalist. "I have reported on the voices of marginalized communities, women, and youth, which is why I am on trial. A verdict of acquittal would serve as a victory for press freedom," she concluded.
Lawyers challenge prosecution’s evidence
Müftüoğlu’s defense was led by lawyers Resul Temur and Hazal Sümeli from the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA). Temur argued that the prosecution’s key witness testimony was improperly obtained and lacked credibility, noting that the witness’s identification of Müftüoğlu was unsupported by any clear evidence. He also highlighted that Müftüoğlu had previously been acquitted on similar charges in 2017, making this trial a case of double jeopardy.
Sümeli, referencing rulings from Turkey’s Supreme Court of Appeals and the Constitutional Court, stated that the legal elements required to support the charges had not been established. She also objected to the inclusion of Müftüoğlu’s communication records in the case file, which she argued violated press freedom by exposing her journalistic sources.
A significant ruling for press freedom
The court’s decision to acquit Müftüoğlu was seen as a positive outcome for press freedom advocates. The charges, which carried a potential sentence of up to 37.5 years in prison, were widely regarded as an attempt to silence critical journalism, particularly that of Kurdish reporters.
Müftüoğlu’s trial had drawn significant attention from national and international organizations, with many representatives attending the hearing, including leaders from Turkish and international journalist unions, such as the Turkish Journalists’ Union (TGS), the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DİSK) Press Union, and Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The acquittal serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Turkey, especially for Kurdish journalists who frequently face legal harassment for their work.
