NALİN ÖZTEKİN
Sociologist and author Veli Saçılık was sentenced to 10 months in prison under Turkey’s "disinformation law" for a social media post criticizing the government’s earthquake rescue efforts. The Ankara 10th Criminal Court of First Instance issued the verdict during the fourth hearing of the case. The court suspended the announcement of the verdict, deferring its implementation unless further offenses are committed within a set probation period.
The post and the charges
Saçılık’s post, shared after the February 6 earthquakes that devastated several regions in Turkey, stated:
“The first three days of rescue efforts during the earthquake were critical. They said, ‘No one other than AFAD [Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority] will be allowed,’ leaving people to die.”
The prosecution argued that the post spread false information intended to mislead the public, a charge introduced under Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code through the "disinformation law."
Court proceedings
At the hearing, Saçılık delivered a strong defense, criticizing the government’s response to the earthquake and the prosecution's alignment with the ruling party:
“The censorship law passed by Parliament has turned criticism of the government into a crime. The prosecution accuses me as though it were a spokesperson for the AKP. I stand by my statement that the government’s actions caused unnecessary deaths. Criticizing the state is not a crime. I will carry this case with pride. I bow in respect to the memory of everyone who lost their lives in the February 6 earthquake.”
His lawyer, Senem Doğanoğlu, emphasized that Saçılık’s post did not contain false information or cause any tangible harm, arguing that the case was a violation of his right to free expression.
Verdict
The court ruled that Saçılık had committed the offense of “publicly disseminating misleading information,” sentencing him to one year in prison. The sentence was reduced to 10 months considering its potential impact on Saçılık. The court deferred the announcement of the verdict.
Context and implications
Saçılık’s trial is one of several high-profile cases brought under Turkey’s controversial disinformation law, which critics say is being used to stifle dissent and silence criticism of the government. Passed in 2022, the law has drawn widespread criticism from rights organizations for its vague language and potential to curtail freedom of expression.
Support and reactions
The hearing was attended by Saçılık, his lawyer, and CHP MP Orhan Sarıbal, who expressed solidarity. Observers argue that such cases demonstrate the law’s use as a tool to criminalize legitimate criticism of government policies and actions.
Saçılık’s case highlights ongoing tensions between state authorities and freedom of expression advocates in Turkey. His sentencing adds to broader concerns about the shrinking space for dissent in the country.
