Denizli - Second hearing of the trial where since shut-down Dicle News Agency (DİHA) reporter Gökhan Öner faces “membership in a terrorist organization” charges was held at the Denizli 2nd High Criminal Court today. Öner and his lawyer Mazlum Demirbağ were present in the courtroom. The prosecutor requested extra time to prepare the final opinion as to the accusations. The court agreed to give the prosecutor extra time and adjourned the trial until 15 April.
In addition to journalist Öner, defendants Mehmet Diler, Erol Beler, Muhlis Kayar and Eyyüp Hansu stand trial as well. DİHA reporter Gökhan Öner was taken into custody on 28 April 2018, arrested for “membership in a terrorist organization” charges, and released during the first hearing of the trial (26 July 2018) following a 3-month imprisonment.
Judicial control measures including an international travel ban are still in effect for journalist Gökhan Öner. Öner’s lawyer Mazlum Demirbağ stated that the accusations do not include sufficient concrete evidence and demanded his client’s acquittal. Demirbağ also noted that Öner was admitted to a university in Cyprus and demanded the international travel ban to be lifted in order for Öner to attend school in Cyprus. These requests were rejected for the time being.
The next hearing will be held on 15 April.
