SEVDA AYDIN
The trial of journalist Evrim Kepenek, charged with "insult" after reporting on child abuse, has been postponed once again following a hearing on October 1. The case, initiated based on a complaint by Refik Y., who was arrested for child abuse but later released under judicial control, is now awaiting the conclusion of his own trial. Kepenek did not attend the 11th hearing due to prior commitments, but her lawyer, Deniz Yazgan Şenay, was present in court. Lawyers for both sides also submitted excuses for their absence.
Attorney Şenay argued for Kepenek's acquittal, stating, “My client is a journalist and had no intent to insult. She exercised her constitutional right to inform the public.” The judge decided to wait for the outcome of the case in which Refik Y. is accused of "child sexual abuse" and rescheduled the trial for December 12.
Background on the case
Refik Y., who was arrested on allegations of sexually abusing a six-year-old child, filed complaints against Kepenek and three others who shared details of the abuse on social media, accusing them of "violating privacy" and "insult." Kepenek's news reports, as well as social media posts by the other defendants, have been cited as evidence in the case.
In a hearing on June 21, 2022, the court rejected a request by Refik Y.'s lawyer to forcibly bring Kepenek to court and decided to wait for the outcome of the trial in which Refik Y. is being tried for abuse. At a hearing on November 1, 2022, Kepenek’s lawyer was granted additional time to present other news reports related to the case. On February 21, 2023, the court sent an inquiry to the Izmir 23rd High Criminal Court to determine whether the decision in Refik Y.’s case had become final. During the latest hearing on October 1, 2024, the court once again sought confirmation on the status of the abuse case, leading to yet another postponement.
