EYLEM SONBAHAR
In the trial of journalist Barış Terkoğlu, accused of defamation due to his 2019 interview with BirGün about the Pelikan network, the prosecutor has requested his acquittal, citing freedom of expression. The trial was adjourned to May 17.
The case, initiated by Süheyb Öğüt, the former husband of Sabah newspaper columnist Hilal Kaplan, centers on an interview titled "Pelikan Istanbul War," published in BirGün on April 7, 2019. The third hearing took place at Istanbul Anadolu 27th Criminal Court of First Instance, with Terkoğlu present alongside his lawyers Enes Hikmet Ermaner and Serkan Güner. Süheyb Öğüt did not attend, but his lawyer Ayşe Yıldırım Gözcü was present.
After verifying identities, Terkoğlu defended himself by stating, "The incident in the indictment relates to an interview I gave five years ago as part of my journalistic duties. There was no insult. I do not accept the accusations and request my acquittal."
"The lawsuit is invalid"
Terkoğlu's lawyer, Enes Hikmet Ermaner, argued that the complaint listed Boğaziçi Center for Global Affairs as the plaintiff, not Süheyb Öğüt, and the attached power of attorney belonged to the association. "The insult charge is subject to complaint, making this lawsuit invalid. Additionally, the lawsuit falls under the press law, which requires filing within four months. The complaint was not filed within this period, and the case should be dismissed per the press law," he said.
Prosecutor emphasizes freedom of expression
Presenting the main opinion, the prosecutor stated that the interview fell within the scope of freedom of thought and expression and that the legal elements of the crime were not present, thereby requesting Terkoğlu's acquittal.
Disagreeing with the prosecutor's opinion, Öğüt's lawyer claimed, "The statements made by the defendant in the interview and articles exceed the limits of freedom of expression. We request his punishment."
Lawyer Serkan Güner defended that there were no statements in the interview that would harm Süheyb Öğüt's honor, dignity, or reputation, and emphasized that Terkoğlu was fulfilling his journalistic duty.
Süheyb Öğüt's lawyer requested time to review procedural objections and present a substantive response. The court granted this request and adjourned the hearing to May 17.
