Deniz Tekin
The trial of journalist Geşbun Ayşe Kara, previously acquitted on charges of being a member of an organization, has resumed following the overturning of her acquittal by an appellate court. The Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court is re-examining the case, focusing on whether Kara participated in meetings and demonstrations, and has requested the investigation file involving the detention of 16 journalists in Diyarbakır.
During the first session of the renewed trial, journalist Kara was absent, represented by her lawyer, Resul Temur. The presiding judge inquired about Kara's whereabouts, to which Temur responded that she was abroad and would provide the court with her address to facilitate an overseas deposition.
The prosecution requested further completion of the case file, emphasizing gaps in the investigation. Subsequently, the court issued an interim decision to request the investigation file from the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the broader probe under which Kara was implicated. The court also instructed the Diyarbakır Anti-Terror Branch to investigate if Kara had a code name, participated in any organization-directed meetings that could be considered propaganda, and if any legal action had previously been taken against her.
Background of the case:
Ayşe Kara, a journalist initially detained on June 26, 2020, during a crackdown targeting the Democratic Society Congress (DTK), faced allegations of being a member of the Free Women's Congress (KJA) and the Free Journalists Association, as well as participating in DTK activities. Her reporting during a march organized by the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) in Mardin in 2016 was also cited as a criminal element in the indictment. Kara defended herself in court, denying membership in the DTK and stating her visits to the DTK building were solely for journalistic purposes.
The Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court initially acquitted Kara on November 9, 2021, concluding that the crimes attributed to her were not proven. However, following an appeal by the trial prosecutor, the Diyarbakır Regional Court of Justice's 2nd Criminal Chamber overturned the acquittal, citing her suspected involvement in a case related to the arrest of 16 journalists on June 16, 2022. The appellate court questioned whether Kara used a code name or attended meetings and demonstrations as directed by the organization, directing the local court to reassess these aspects and possibly consolidate them with the ongoing case.
The next session of the trial has been scheduled for July 16, 2024, as the court awaits the necessary documents to proceed with a comprehensive evaluation.
