Eylem Sonbahar
April 3, 2024 - In a recent development , journalist Rojin Akın was acquitted in a case where she was accused of "organization membership" due to her reporting and interviews in the predomniantly Kurdish region of Rojava, Syria. The court, however, separated the case of journalist Emrah Erdoğan, who was tried under the same accusation.
This case, which centers on accusations of "membership of a terrorist organization" was initiated due to the journalists’ travel to Rojava in 2015 for news reporting. The third hearing of the trial against Rojin Akın and Emrah Erdoğan took place at the Istanbul 23rd High Criminal Court. Neither journalist attended the hearing, but their attorneys Şule Recepoğlu and Arzuhan Halis were present.
The prosecutor reiterated his initial argument from the first session, advocating for their punishment under the "organization membership" charges.
Attorney Recepoğlu argued, "The continuation of this prosecution for seven years is indicative of bad faith. It's clear from her social media posts, news stories, and books from that period that my client is a journalist. Like many journalists, she went to Rojava for her professional activities. We request an acquittal."
Following a recess for deliberation, the court announced its verdict, citing insufficient evidence and acquitted journalist Rojin Akın. The case concerning journalist Emrah Erdoğan, however, has been separated for further proceedings.
Rojava, a region in northern Syria, has been a focal point for many journalists due to the ongoing conflicts and political developments in the area.
