EYLEM SONBAHAR
Journalist Furkan Karabay, who spent 11 days in detention over a report on corruption and bribery in a mafia case involving the Sarallar group, was acquitted in the final hearing of his trial. During the hearing, Karabay reaffirmed his commitment to journalism, declaring, “I will write again.” The court acquitted him of charges of “targeting individuals involved in counterterrorism efforts” and “insulting a public official.”
The trial, held at Istanbul’s 24th High Criminal Court, stemmed from Karabay’s article on Gerçek Gündem titled “Bribery dispute in mafia case reflected in transcripts” and a social media post. He was accused of targeting individuals involved in counterterrorism and publicly insulting a public official. The prosecutor, in line with his previous statements from July 2, 2024, had sought a conviction.
'I will write again'
In his defense, Karabay stood by his reporting, saying, “I have no regrets over a single word in my article. I will continue to report if similar bribery allegations are raised again in this courthouse. If there are allegations of wrongdoing involving any of you here today, I would write your names as well.” He referenced a prior case where prosecutor Gökalp Kökçü had filed a complaint against Şaban Yılmaz to the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK), suggesting that Yılmaz should clarify the allegations against him instead of seeking Karabay's detention.
Addressing the court, Karabay added, “Past powerful judges and prosecutors in this courthouse have either been arrested or fled abroad. Whatever decision you make today—whether it's a conviction or an acquittal—it holds no value for me.” The presiding judge commented on Karabay’s statement, calling it "bold."
'I don’t even request acquittal'
Karabay’s lawyer, Enes Hikmet Ermaner, described the trial as baseless, stating, “The journalist who reported this story is still on trial, while no charges have been brought against Barış Saral, who made the bribery allegations. It is my client who is being punished for Saral’s claims.” When asked for his final statement, Karabay said, “I don’t know you, and I don’t even request acquittal,” to which the judge responded, warning that Karabay’s remarks could cause him problems.
After a brief recess, the court ruled unanimously to acquit Karabay of “targeting individuals involved in counterterrorism” and by majority vote acquitted him of “insulting a public official.”
Case background
Karabay’s article, published on Gerçek Gündem under the title “Bribery dispute in mafia case reflected in transcripts,” detailed trial records from a case involving Barış Saral of the Sarallar crime group. Karabay was arrested on December 28, 2023, and detained the following day. He was released on January 8, 2024, after a second appeal from his lawyers. The indictment listed Supreme Court member Okan Albayrak, Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Şaban Yılmaz, and members of the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court as plaintiffs in the case.
