Deniz Tekin
The trial of Sofya Alağaş, former news editor of Jin News, continued with its sixth hearing at the Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court. Alağaş, who faces charges of "membership in a terrorist organization" based on her journalistic activities, did not attend the session. Her attorneys, Resul Temur and Pirozhan Karali Güler, were present in court.
Secret witness testimony and prosecution claims
During the hearing, a secret witness using the alias "K8C4B3LITS" testified via video link with altered voice and visuals. The witness claimed that Alağaş worked in a senior capacity at Mezopotamya News Agency and Jin News in Diyarbakır and Istanbul, allegedly facilitating communication between the two organizations. However, when asked by attorney Karali to specify the time frame of these alleged activities, the witness refused to answer.
The prosecutor argued that ongoing investigations in Diyarbakır and Siirt against Alağaş were unrelated to the current case, asking the court to proceed without waiting for their outcomes. However, attorney Temur countered, stating that the investigations are directly tied to this case, as they involve reports published by Jin News. Temur highlighted that the investigation in Siirt pertains specifically to Jin News' reporting, emphasizing the need to consider its findings before proceeding.
Prosecution links reporting to alleged organizational ties
The prosecutor presented the final opinion, alleging that news reports on ANF, Medya Haber, and Nuçe Ciwan websites were "parallel" to those published by Jin News. The prosecutor argued that Jin News' overall editorial stance showed a lack of impartiality and accused the agency of producing "pro-organizational reporting."
The indictment further claimed that as the sole director of Jin News, Alağaş maintained an "organic connection" with the organization and operated under its directives. The prosecutor requested that Alağaş be convicted under Article 314/2 of the Turkish Penal Code for "membership in a terrorist organization."
Defense challenges evidence and seeks time
Alağaş’s attorneys dismissed the secret witness's testimony as vague and unsubstantiated, noting the witness's refusal to answer key questions. Attorney Karali stated, "The claims are abstract and fail to meet the standards of reliable evidence."
The defense team requested additional time to respond to the prosecutor's opinion and the secret witness testimony.
Case adjourned
The court granted the defense time to prepare their response and adjourned the trial to Jan. 28. The decision to forego awaiting the outcomes of related investigations in Diyarbakır and Siirt was upheld, citing the need to avoid delaying proceedings.
