Deniz Tekin
A Turkish court has issued an arrest warrant for journalist Perihan Kaya after former Tatvan Mayor Mehmet Emin Geylani filed a criminal complaint against her, accusing her of "insult." The case stems from Kaya's social media post criticizing Geylani in connection with an attack on journalist Sinan Aygül, who was investigating corruption allegations involving Tatvan Municipality.
Geylani had been accused of orchestrating the assault on Aygül, the head of the Bitlis Journalists Association. Following the attack, Geylani denied any involvement in a statement on social media, saying, “Despite my goodwill and sorrow, I will not back down in the face of threats made in PKK rhetoric. I remain in office as the mayor elected by the people.”
Kaya responded to Geylani’s statement by quoting his post and writing: “You nearly beat a journalist to death in the street, and then you accuse him of speaking in 'PKK rhetoric.' Who do you think you are to assault people in broad daylight? Who protects you? Who do you trust? Don't steal, and the journalist won’t report on it.”
Kaya’s prior conviction cited in criminal complaint
Geylani filed a criminal complaint against Kaya, claiming her post was insulting. The complaint noted that Kaya is a journalist who previously worked for the now-closed DİHA and JİNHA news agencies and mentioned that she had been convicted of "insulting the president" and sentenced to 11 months and 20 days in prison.
At the request of the Tatvan Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Tatvan Criminal Judgeship of Peace issued an arrest warrant to take Kaya’s statement. However, prosecutors proceeded with an indictment without hearing from Kaya, as she is currently abroad. The indictment, which charges her with "insult via a verbal, written, or visual message," lists Geylani as the complainant and presents her social media post as evidence.
Court issues arrest warrant for Kaya
Authorities have not yet enforced the arrest warrant, meaning Kaya’s statement has not been taken. However, a report from the Cyber Crimes Unit confirmed that the social media account in question belongs to her. The prosecution is seeking her conviction on charges of insult.
The Tatvan 1st Criminal Court of First Instance has accepted the indictment and ordered a warrant for Kaya’s statement to be taken. Her trial is set for Feb. 26, 2025.
Background: Attack on journalist Sinan Aygül
Sinan Aygül, a journalist known for reporting on corruption and land sales related to Tatvan Municipality, was assaulted by Engin Kaplan, a police officer assigned as Geylani’s bodyguard, and Yücel Baysalı, a municipal security officer. Security footage captured the attack, showing Aygül being beaten in the street and sustaining injuries to his head and body, requiring hospitalization.
Kaplan and Baysalı were arrested and later convicted of "intentional injury with a weapon," receiving prison sentences of one year, five months, and 15 days each. Geylani, initially investigated as the suspected instigator of the attack, was cleared of charges.
Separately, Aygül himself was sentenced to two months and five days in prison after being found guilty of "insulting" his attackers.
