Eylem Sonbahar
Journalist Merdan Yanardağ, facing trial for allegedly "publicly insulting the state’s military or security forces," defended his statements as part of his journalistic duty, saying, "I raised an allegation and did my job as a journalist."
The first hearing of Yanardağ’s trial was held at Istanbul’s 30th Criminal Court of First Instance. The case stems from comments he made in a video titled How has AKP’s political ethics shaped Turkey?, published on the YouTube channel of TELE1 on Feb. 5, 2024. The trial follows a criminal complaint filed by the Gendarmerie General Command.
‘I commented within the scope of freedom of expression’
During the hearing, Yanardağ rejected the charges, stating, “I host a commentary program on TELE1 every weekday. The remarks in question were made in the context of an analysis of the presidential elections held on May 14 and 28, 2023. A portion of the program was selectively taken and used in the indictment. I brought up an allegation that was already reported in the media. I clearly stated it was an allegation and commented within the scope of freedom of thought, expression, and press freedom. This claim was originally made by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who received 48% of the vote in the presidential election. Instead of filing a lawsuit, the Gendarmerie General Command could have exercised its right of reply, denied the claim, or investigated it. They call it slander, but based on what investigation?"
‘I was doing my job as a journalist’
Yanardağ emphasized that his comments were an election-related analysis, not an accusation, and reiterated his role as a journalist. “I merely brought up an allegation. I was doing my job as a journalist. I request my acquittal,” he said.
His lawyer, Bilgütay Hakkı Durna, argued that indictments in Turkey are becoming political texts. He criticized the prosecutor for not gathering exculpatory evidence and requested additional time to submit proof supporting the claims Yanardağ discussed.
The prosecutor, presenting his final opinion, called for Yanardağ to be sentenced in line with the indictment. Granting the defense team’s request for time to respond, the court postponed the trial to March 20 at 1:30 p.m.
