MLSA - Three journalists, who were detained in an Istanbul-based investigation and released after 24 days, now face trial with 126 news reports cited as evidence for charges of "being a member of a terrorist organization." The first hearing is scheduled for December 15.
The indictment against Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reporters Esra Solin Dal, Mehmet Aslan, and journalist Erdoğan Alayumat, who is defended by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), was prepared following their detention on April 26. The Istanbul 25th High Criminal Court accepted the indictment, noting that "evidence has been collected" and there is a "possibility of change in the nature of the alleged crime," leading on to their release on 21 May after 24 days.
Rapid indictment preparation
The indictment for the three journalists was completed in 12 days and submitted to the court on May 8. The court swiftly accepted the indictment, which was separated from other journalists and media workers detained in the same investigation.
Journalistic activities under scrutiny
Prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the indictment criminalizes the journalists' activities. It lists numerous reports from MA, including 41 articles by Aslan and 65 by Dal. These reports, categorized into "perception management activities," "messaging to a sympathizing audience," and "conveying instructions," include interviews with documentary filmmaker Ertuğrul Mavioğlu and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) female MPs. Dal’s coverage of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s isolation in İmralı Prison is also cited as evidence of "perception management," suggesting an attempt to create the impression of a "so-called isolation."
Social media posts as evidence
Dal’s alleged organizational communication and calls for societal action were also used to support charges, including six tweets. Alayumat's indictment includes 20 reports from MA between October 2019 and January 2021. These reports are categorized similarly to Dal’s, with allegations that they were intended to "influence and channel a sympathizing audience." Alayumat’s October 9, 2020, interview with Kurdish politician Hatip Dicle is also cited, with the prosecution claiming it aimed to "undermine the Turkish state internationally."
"So-called news"
The indictment frequently uses the term "so-called news" for articles by Alayumat, Dal, and Aslan. Alayumat is accused of attempting to "demean the Republic of Turkey before the international community."
Bizarre inclusion of acquitted report
Mehmet Aslan’s indictment includes links to 41 articles. He is charged for reporting on Öcalan’s isolation and for covering the detention of colleague Fırat Can Arslan. Despite Arslan’s eventual acquittal, Aslan is now charged for reporting on this detention. Additionally, an article titled "Journalism is a crime for MA editor Sedat Yılmaz" is included as evidence, although Yılmaz was acquitted in the second hearing after a prolonged detention.
Telephone calls and social media posts
Aslan’s phone calls with colleagues and four social media posts are also cited as evidence, including two related to detained journalists, labeled simply as "posts containing content about detained journalists."
The 17-page indictment includes 126 links to news reports, accusing the journalists of attempting to "divide and separate Kurdish citizens in Turkey by portraying Abdullah Öcalan as their so-called leader."
The trial will shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Turkey, highlighting the tension between press freedom and legal constraints.
