Journalist Enver Aysever was sentenced to 10 months in prison for the charge of “inciting the public to hatred and hostility.” The Küçükçekmece 30th Criminal Court of First Instance ordered Aysever’s release. In his defense statement, Aysever said his remarks should be evaluated within the scope of freedom of expression.
MLSA – A verdict has been announced in the case filed against journalist Enver Aysever on the charge of “inciting the public to hatred and hostility.” The Küçükçekmece 30th Criminal Court of First Instance sentenced Aysever to 10 months in prison and ordered his release.
Aysever, who had been detained in Marmara Prison, appeared before the judge at the first hearing of the case.
In his defense statement, Aysever said his remarks had been misunderstood and stated that his statements were not intended to polarize society. Aysever said:
“I did not say those words in order to polarize the right and the left and the classes in Turkey, but to try to express the concept of right and left worldwide in a style of intellectual discussion.”
Arguing that his speech did not provoke the public, Aysever said his remarks should be considered within the scope of freedom of expression and requested acquittal.
Aysever also said:
“Although I am an opposition journalist, I also want to fulfill my duty by appreciating the efforts shown by our President and all of the opposition in terms of protecting the unity of the country and defending the homeland.”
The court sentenced Aysever to one year in prison for the charge of “inciting the public to hatred and hostility.” The court panel applied discretionary reduction, reducing the sentence to 10 months, and ruled for Aysever’s release.
What happened?
An investigation had been launched against Aysever because of statements he made during a live broadcast. Aysever had criticized remarks made by Hasan İmamoğlu, the father of Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is currently detained, in an interview.
In an interview with the newspaper Sözcü, Hasan İmamoğlu said:
“All my life I struggled and worked. I fought so that communism would not come to our country. I regret very much that I fought so that communism would not come. Because there is no need for communism. When they want, communism is declared. Your property and assets are confiscated.”
Commenting on these remarks, Aysever said:
“He cannot see the road that leads to the one-man regime of the AKP, and he is still talking about communists.”
After his statements spread on social media, Aysever was taken into custody as part of the investigation and was arrested on Nov. 11, 2025.
