Osmaniye – Prosecutor seeks conviction for journalist Ahmet Erkan Yiğitsözlü on terrorism charges
In the ongoing trial of KHK TV reporter Ahmet Erkan Yiğitsözlü, the prosecutor has requested that Yiğitsözlü be convicted for "membership in an armed terrorist organization." Yiğitsözlü, a journalist who was dismissed from Anadolu Agency following a decree-law (KHK), faces charges of terrorism and violating the law on the prevention of terrorist financing.
The second hearing was held on September 19, 2024, at the Osmaniye 2nd High Criminal Court. Yiğitsözlü, who is not in custody, attended the hearing alongside his lawyer, Günal Kurşun. Representatives from various human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Association (İHD), Turkey Human Rights Foundation (TİHV), and the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), were present to observe the proceedings.
Testimony from witnesses, including lawyer Günal Kurşun
During the hearing, two witnesses testified, including Yiğitsözlü’s lawyer, Günal Kurşun, who removed his robe to testify. Kurşun highlighted Yiğitsözlü’s journalistic activities, stating, "He is not affiliated with any organization and follows the principles of journalism. He records videos of people dismissed under decree-laws, regardless of their background."
Another witness, who has known Yiğitsözlü for years, corroborated this, describing him as "an irrepressible journalist who follows journalistic ethics" and confirming that they had never heard Yiğitsözlü make any statements praising a terrorist organization.
Yiğitsözlü: No evidence of affiliation
Yiğitsözlü defended himself, rejecting the claims of any link to the FETÖ/PDY organization. He emphasized that the only connection cited was his past work at the Cihan News Agency between 2005 and 2007, which he argued is not a crime. "In 2019, a similar investigation resulted in a non-prosecution decision. I do not understand why this new case has been opened, again alleging membership in a terrorist organization," he stated.
Yiğitsözlü further pointed out that during his arrest, seven of his phone lines were examined, and none contained evidence of any incriminating activity.
Prosecutor calls for conviction
After hearing the witnesses, the prosecutor submitted their final opinion, recommending that Yiğitsözlü be convicted of "membership in an armed terrorist organization." In response, Kurşun argued that the charges were unsupported by evidence, asking the court to clarify the basis of the allegations. He also requested more time to prepare a detailed defense.
The court granted the request, adjourning the trial to October 15, 2024.
Background
Yiğitsözlü was arrested on November 15, 2022, as part of an investigation by the Osmaniye Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, facing charges of "membership in an armed terrorist organization" and violating the law on preventing terrorist financing. He was released on November 17, 2022, by the Osmaniye Criminal Judgeship of Peace.
