EYLEM SONBAHAR
The first hearing of the trial against journalist Pelin Özkaptan, accused of "terrorist propaganda," commenced today. The charges stem from her social media posts about Eylem Ataş, who died fighting against ISIS. The court has sent the case file to the prosecutor for preparation of the principal opinion.
The trial's initial session was held at the 13th High Criminal Court in Istanbul. It focuses on two tweets posted by Özkaptan on June 27, 2019, and June 27, 2022, through her Twitter account (X). Represented by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), Özkaptan is accused of "making terrorist organization propaganda."
Present at the hearing with her lawyer, Emine Özhasar, Özkaptan stated in her defense: "I met Eylem Ataş while covering news stories. We later continued our friendship. I was unaware she had gone to Syria, and learned of her death through news reports. At that time, I was deeply affected by ISIS's atrocities against women and children, and as a journalist, I was exposed to news of massacres by ISIS. The death of my friend deeply impacted me. This is the reason behind my posts."
Her lawyer, Özhasar, began by stating that they would make a detailed defense after the principal opinion is presented. She emphasized that Özkaptan is a journalist, and that the freedom of expression for journalists should be protected more broadly than that of ordinary citizens.
Özhasar continued, arguing that for a case to be brought, there must be criteria such as viewing violence as a tool or instrumentalizing violence for adopted beliefs. She stated that Özkaptan's posts did not reflect such circumstances.
The prosecution requested the rectification of missing elements and the submission of the case file for the preparation of the principal opinion.
The court decided to send the case file to the prosecutor for the preparation of the principal opinion and adjourned the hearing until May 28, 2024.
