Turkish journalist Can Öztürk is under investigation for allegedly “publicly disseminating misleading information,” following a complaint by a university professor who was accused of sexual abuse in a news report published by the independent news outlet T24.
The investigation was launched after Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akın—who was suspended from his position at Istanbul Medeniyet University following allegations of harassment—filed a criminal complaint against Öztürk over his March 4, 2025 news story titled “Abuse and harassment allegations during ‘conversion session’; children accused, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akın denied: ‘These kids have gone off the rails!’”
The Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), which is representing Öztürk, announced that the journalist has been summoned to give a statement this week at the Istanbul Police Department’s Security Branch.
The article in question reported that Prof. Akın had conducted sessions labeled as “conversion therapy” targeting children with LGBTI+ identities. It included interviews with children who claimed they were sexually abused during these sessions, as well as Akın’s own responses to the accusations.
The complaint filed by Akın's lawyer on March 7, 2025, called for an investigation into the journalists behind the report, asserting that the allegations were false and that the story amounted to slander. Prosecutors subsequently opened an investigation into Öztürk under both the disinformation law and defamation charges.
In a statement released by Istanbul Medeniyet University on March 5, 2025, the university announced that it had launched an internal investigation into Prof. Akın following the news report, and that he had been removed from his position as head of the department during the process.
The disinformation law—officially titled “Law on the Amendment of the Press Law and Some Other Laws”—was enacted by Turkey’s parliament in October 2022. Critics, including press freedom advocates and international human rights organizations, argue that it is being used to stifle independent journalism and silence critical voices, particularly in cases involving politically sensitive or socially controversial topics.
According to MLSA, Öztürk is expected to deliver his defense statement this week, accompanied by the association’s legal team.
