EYLEM SONBAHAR
Trial of former Özgür Gündem editors and writers continues with prosecutor seeking prison sentences
In the ongoing trial against the former editors and writers of the now-closed Özgür Gündem newspaper, the prosecutor has called for the conviction of Hüseyin Aykol, Ayşe Batumlu Kaya, Eren Keskin, and Reyhan Çapan on charges of "making propaganda for a terrorist organization" through a series of articles and news reports allegedly promoting violence.
The trial, taking place at the Istanbul 14th High Criminal Court, involves accusations stemming from articles published in the newspaper, which was shut down by a government decree (KHK) following the 2016 coup attempt. The defendants are being retried for "terrorist propaganda" and "incitement to commit a crime" related to these publications.
During the ninth hearing, the prosecutor argued that the newspaper had published "content justifying, praising, and supporting violent actions," and called for the defendants to be punished for the crime of "propagandizing for a terrorist organization through media outlets in a continuous manner."
Defense lawyer Özcan Kılıç requested additional time to prepare a response to the prosecutor’s closing arguments. The court accepted the request and postponed the trial to December 19, 2024, at 11:10 a.m.
