The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Court of Cassation requested the court to uphold the prison sentences of 23 journalists including Oğuz Usluer. If the relevant chamber upholds the decision of the appeal court, the journalists will be convicted.
Appeal request of 23 journalists, including Oğuz Usluer defended by Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) Legal Unit, was rejected by İstanbul Regional Court 2. Criminal Chamber on 22 October, 2018.
11 journalists had been sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison, whereas the rest were sentenced to 7 years and 6 months on “membership in a terrorist organization” charges. Among them is former Habertürk Coordinator Oğuz Usluer who has been imprisoned since December 2016.
Journalists had brought their case before the appeal court, which rejected their application on the grounds that the existing evidence in the case file were valid and sufficient in proof of the offense charged and that the local court decision was lawful.
After İstanbul Regional Court 2. Criminal Chamber ruled for the continuation of detention of journalists in detention and rejected their request in limine, the case was brought before the Court of Cassation. The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Court of Cassation requested the court to approve the decision of the İstanbul Regional Court 2. Criminal Chamber and uphold the sentences of 23 journalists. If the relevant chamber of the Court of Cassation upholds the sentences, the journalists will be convicted.
