- Photojournalist Bülent Kılıç was acquitted of charges of "insulting and resisting the police."
- Journalist Çiğdem Akbayrak was acquitted in the "insulting the president" case.
- Former Police Chief Mehmet Ağar will testify in the murder trial of journalist Uğur Mumcu.
This week saw the continuation of various press and freedom of expression trials across different cities, alongside ongoing pressure on journalists.
The MLSA Trial Monitoring Unit observed 15 trials in three cities.
January 14, Tuesday
In the case involving journalist Vedat Örüç, the prosecutor sought sentences for 40 individuals. The trial, where 41 people, including Örüç, are accused of violating the "Law on Meetings and Demonstrations" (Law No. 2911), saw the prosecutor present their final opinion, requesting penalties for 40 individuals, including three journalists.
Disinformation law lays groundwork for potential 'foreign influence' legislation in Turkey. The Turkish government’s increasing use of laws to stifle dissent and control the press is facing new scrutiny as discussions resurface about a proposed “foreign influence agent” law. This controversial proposal, which was shelved twice in 2024 under pressure from civil society and opposition groups, builds on the framework established by the much-criticized "Disinformation Law."
January 15, Wednesday
Prosecutors requested a sentence for journalist Sultan Eylem Keleş in the "insulting the president" case. Keleş, who is being retried following a Constitutional Court ruling of rights violation, faced renewed sentencing demands in this case.
Journalist Çiğdem Akbayrak was acquitted in her "insulting the president" case. The Trabzon Regional Court of Appeals overturned the previous suspension of her sentence after the Constitutional Court found a rights violation. In the retrial, the court ruled for her acquittal.
January 16, Thursday
Photojournalist Bülent Kılıç, who was assaulted while covering a news event, was acquitted of "resisting a public official and insulting a public officer." The fourth hearing of his case was held at the Istanbul 19th Criminal Court of First Instance.
CHP members who distributed the "SaBıKa Holding" brochure were acquitted, but journalists covering the issue are being prosecuted. The prosecutor requested penalties for journalist Barış Pehlivan and former Cumhuriyet newspaper editor Ozan Alper Yurtoğlu for "insulting the president" and "insulting a public official."
All defendants were acquitted in a case related to a protest supporting Leyla Güven. Among those acquitted was journalist Zeynep Kuray, who had been charged with violating the "Law on Meetings and Demonstrations."
The arrest warrant against journalist Deniz Yücel, tried under Article 301 for "insulting the Turkish nation and state institutions," was not lifted. The 10th hearing of his case was held at the 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance.
Allegations against lawyer on trial refuted by witness testimony. Charges against a lawyer accused of "making propaganda for a terrorist organization" during events at Ankara University were refuted by witness testimonies.
Former police chief Mehmet Ağar to testify in 'Umut case' at next hearing. In the "Umut" case, involving the murders of Uğur Mumcu, Ahmet Taner Kışlalı, Muammer Aksoy, and Bahriye Üçok, former Police Chief Mehmet Ağar will testify as a witness in the next hearing.
