Prosecutor seeks sentence for journalist Can Ataklı over remarks on fallen soldier’s father
In the trial of journalist Can Ataklı, who faces charges of "inciting hatred and enmity" over comments made about a fallen soldier's father, the prosecutor called for a conviction. The court also accepted a request from Memur-Sen President Ali Yalçın to join the case and adjourned the hearing to October 10.
The second hearing of the case was held at the Istanbul 5th Criminal Court of First Instance. Ataklı, who did not attend the hearing, is being tried for remarks he made during a broadcast on his YouTube channel regarding statements by the father of a soldier killed during the Pençe-Kilit Operation, an ongoing Turkish military campaign in northern Iraq. His lawyer, Rabia Bayram, argued that Ataklı’s comments were directed at reporters interviewing grieving families and fell within the scope of press freedom, requesting his acquittal.
Memur-Sen calls for maximum sentence
Ali Yalçın’s lawyer, Ahmet Günenç, argued that Ataklı’s statements not only insulted the father of a fallen soldier but also disrespected all martyrs and their families, saying they should not be protected under freedom of expression or press rights. “He has been a journalist for many years and should know better. We request his punishment,” Günenç said.
Lawyers representing the Ministry of Family and Social Services and the Turkish States Martyrs and Veterans Foundation also called for Ataklı to receive the maximum sentence, arguing that the legal elements of the crime were present.
Prosecutor: Remarks incite hatred
The prosecutor, presenting the case, stated that Ataklı’s remarks contained provocative behavior and were of a nature that could incite hatred. The prosecutor also noted that the video of Ataklı’s comments had been widely shared on social media, raising concerns about its impact on the public. The prosecution requested that Ataklı be sentenced for publicly inciting hatred and enmity.
Ataklı’s lawyer requested additional time to respond to the prosecutor’s final opinion. The court accepted the request for more time and granted Ali Yalçın's motion to join the case as a plaintiff, postponing the trial to October 10, 2024.
