The trial of journalists linked to the book Metastaz 2: Cendere—which alleges bribery within the judiciary—continued at Istanbul’s 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. The court requested clarification from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on whether the controversial audio recordings referenced in the book had been examined.
Journalists Barış Terkoğlu, Barış Pehlivan, and others, including prominent figures such as Fatih Portakal and Ayşenur Arslan, are accused of “public insult” and “defamation” following a complaint by Mustafa Doğan İnal, a former lawyer for President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Defense: Journalism in the public interest
During the 10th hearing, journalist and broadcaster Fatih Portakal defended his role, explaining that he interviewed Barış Terkoğlu about the book on his YouTube program:
“I know the difference between criticism and insult. I asked questions and performed my journalistic duties. There was no intent to defame. I request my acquittal.”
Portakal’s lawyer, Kürşat Ergün, reiterated that the broadcast was legitimate journalistic activity, rejecting the charges as baseless.
Alleged judicial bribery recordings
The allegations in the book stem from audio recordings reportedly captured in a courthouse, suggesting bribery involving members of the judiciary. Mustafa Kılıç, identified as the source of the recordings, admitted to the conversation but claimed ignorance of its content. Kılıç’s lawyer noted that while Inal’s complaint was pursued, a similar complaint by Kılıç was dismissed:
“Where is the equality? My client’s allegations were ignored while Inal’s were prioritized.”
Prosecution of journalists and media outlets
Defense lawyers highlighted a pattern of legal action against anyone who covered the book’s claims.
“Every journalist or media outlet that reported on the book has faced prosecution,” said Nevzat Çiçek’s lawyer.
Ayşenur Arslan’s lawyer similarly argued that the charges target lawful journalistic work.
Plaintiff's position and court's interim decision
Mustafa Doğan İnal’s lawyer opposed adding the audio recordings to the case file, reiterating their complaint. The court, however, decided to request the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether the recordings had been analyzed and to share the findings.
The trial was adjourned to May 29, 2025.
Background
Published in December 2020, Metastaz 2: Cendere explores alleged corruption and bribery in the Turkish judiciary. Mustafa Doğan İnal, mentioned in the book, filed both criminal and civil cases against its authors and several journalists who publicized its claims.
Although Inal's 300,000 TL defamation lawsuit against Terkoğlu, Pehlivan, and Independent Türkçe was dismissed, the criminal cases continue. Critics view these trials as part of a broader crackdown on investigative journalism in Turkey, with increasing legal pressures on journalists covering sensitive topics.
