Rabia Çetin
In the trial of 15 public officials, including seven in custody, accused of involvement in the 2007 assassination of Agos editor-in-chief Hrant Dink, a defense lawyer for one of the defendants requested journalist Barış Terkoğlu as a witness. The lawyer argued that Terkoğlu's analysis of a meeting between gunman Ogün Samast and organized crime figure Alaattin Çakıcı could provide crucial insight.
Trial background and key developments
The hearing, held at the Istanbul 14th High Criminal Court, is part of a retrial ordered after Turkey’s Court of Cassation overturned a previous verdict. The case implicates public officials in allegedly failing to prevent the assassination or being complicit in the events surrounding Dink's murder.
Defendants participated via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBIS) from various locations, while others, including fugitive Trabzon Police Intelligence Branch Chief Faruk Sarı, did not appear. Members of Dink’s family, their legal representatives, journalists, and observers from organizations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) were present in the courtroom.
Defendants deny allegations
The prosecutor called for the continuation of pre-trial detention for the accused, citing the severity of the charges.
- Yavuz Karakaya, a former noncommissioned officer with the Istanbul Gendarmerie Intelligence Branch, dismissed the accusations, citing the alleged meeting between Samast and Çakıcı as a factor undermining his culpability. He requested acquittal and release.
- Veysal Şahin, a Trabzon Gendarmerie Intelligence Branch officer at the time, denied any involvement, stating, "I reported everything to my superiors. I have been in custody for over five years. I beg for justice and ask for acquittal."
- Okan Şimşek, another Trabzon officer, claimed he was targeted by members of the Gülen network (referred to as FETÖ in Turkey), who shielded some individuals from scrutiny. He asserted that he had no links to the crime and demanded acquittal.
Other defendants, including those under house arrest or appearing via SEGBIS, also requested acquittal and the lifting of judicial restrictions.
Witness request and procedural issues
Karakaya’s lawyer urged the court to summon journalist Barış Terkoğlu as a witness, referencing Terkoğlu’s interpretation of Ogün Samast’s ties to Çakıcı. This, the lawyer argued, could provide critical evidence.
Technical issues with the UYAP judicial system briefly interrupted the proceedings. After deliberations, the court rejected the defense’s procedural requests and ruled that detained defendant Muharrem Demirkale would present his defense in person at the next hearing.
Next hearing scheduled
The court adjourned the trial to Feb. 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. for further proceedings.
