- Journalists Sezer and Batan, tried for reporting on a case, were acquitted.
- Yeni Asya Editor-in-Chief Kazım Güleçyüz was released.
- A call for solidarity with journalists and media workers in Georgia was issued.
This week, cases related to the press and freedom of expression continued across various cities, along with ongoing pressures on journalists. MLSA’s Case Monitoring Unit followed 12 trials in 5 cities.
December 15, Sunday
GazeteMLSA’s 7th News Workshop Held. The 7th News Workshop, organized by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), was held from December 13 to 15 in Kilyos, Istanbul. The program, which has been running for four years, offers young journalists an opportunity to work with veteran journalists in a newsroom-like experience. Many of its alumni now work in various media outlets. Coordinated by T24 Ankara Bureau Chief Gökçer Tahincioğlu and Turkish Journalists’ Union Secretary-General Banu Tuna, the workshop prepared content for the 7th issue of GazeteMLSA.
December 17, Tuesday
Trial of Journalist Tolga Şardan Postponed. The trial of journalist Tolga Şardan, who spent five days in detention for his article titled "What’s in the Judiciary Report Submitted by the MIT to the Presidency?" has been postponed to May 22 for review of submitted documents.
December 18, Wednesday
Lawyer Cenk Yiğiter Faces Court for “Insulting the President” Dismissed from public service via a KHK decree, academic and lawyer Dr. Cenk Yiğiter defended himself in court, arguing that equating his use of the term "Tayyo" with an insult would set a precedent for criminalizing similar expressions, including President Erdoğan’s remarks about others.
December 19, Thursday
Yeni Asya Editor-in-Chief Released Yeni Asya Editor-in-Chief Kazım Güleçyüz was released at his first hearing after being detained for a social media post following Fethullah Gülen’s death.
Writer Mehmet Şahin’s Retrial Continues The trial of Xwebûn columnist Mehmet Şahin, accused of “membership in a terrorist organization,” was adjourned to determine if the case should be merged with another case ongoing at Diyarbakır 4th High Criminal Court.
December 20, Friday
Solidarity Call for Journalists in Georgia Organizations advocating for press freedom, freedom of expression, media, journalism, and human rights issued a call for solidarity and support for journalists and media workers in Georgia.
