Eylem Sonbahar
The trial of 46 journalists and press workers, known as the "KCK Press Trial," has been adjourned to July 17. The Istanbul 3rd High Criminal Court postponed the proceedings to allow for the defense statement of Yüksel Genç, whose case was recently merged with the main trial.
Background on the case
The "KCK Press Trial" centers on allegations against journalists and staff members from several now-shuttered Kurdish media outlets, including Özgür Gündem, Azadiya Welat, Dicle News Agency, and Fırat Distribution. The defendants are accused of links to the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), which Turkish authorities consider the urban wing of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Critics argue that the case is part of a broader crackdown on Kurdish media and freedom of the press in Turkey.
Latest developments
The 33rd hearing of the trial was held at the Istanbul 3rd High Criminal Court. During the session, attorney Yıldız İmrek, representing defendant Hüseyin Deniz, requested that procedural deficiencies in the case file be addressed.
The court also noted that an arrest warrant for İsmet Kayhan remains outstanding. It decided to wait for the execution of this warrant. Meanwhile, it ordered that Yüksel Genç, whose case was merged with the trial, provide a defense statement at the next hearing.
The trial was adjourned to July 17 at 11:25 a.m.
