Nalin Öztekin
The trial of JINNEWS journalist Melek Avcı, who is facing charges of "terrorist propaganda" based on her news-related social media posts, has begun. In her defense, Avcı argued that the indictment criminalizes journalism, stating, "This indictment is essentially asking us why we are writing about these issues. Journalism is a reflection of society—we report on what happens. Even quoting statements from international organizations that Turkey is a party to has been deemed a crime."
The first hearing took place at Ankara’s 19th High Criminal Court, following an investigation initiated by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The indictment was based on research conducted by Ankara’s Cyber Crimes Unit into Avcı’s social media activity in 2022 and 2023. Among the posts cited as evidence were statements from Turkey’s Justice Ministry and content critical of ISIS. Avcı and her lawyer, Şevin Kaya, were present in court, where the session began with their defense statements.
‘We report on what happens in society’
Avcı, the first to speak, firmly rejected the accusation of propaganda, emphasizing that her work is purely journalistic. "They ask us why we report on isolation, violence against women, child abuse, torture in prisons, poverty—why we write about all of society’s decay," she said. "Unfortunately, this is the reality we have to report on: violence against women, poverty, oppression, war, and now, debates on peace. We report what is happening in society."
‘I am being prosecuted for criticizing ISIS’
Avcı also pointed out that she was facing charges for sharing reports from international human rights organizations and even official statements.
"I was questioned for condemning ISIS," she said. "This is a group known for genocide, responsible for multiple massacres in Turkey. I am accused of a crime for sharing posts against ISIS. Reports from international bodies such as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), as well as official United Nations reports, have been used as evidence against me. If statements from institutions that Turkey itself is a signatory to are now considered criminal, then Turkey should withdraw from those agreements. I reject these charges."
‘Press freedom and journalism are under attack’
Following Avcı’s defense, her lawyer, Şevin Kaya, criticized the indictment, arguing that it disregards fundamental legal principles. She also noted that Turkey’s Constitutional Court had ruled against the use of police "virtual patrols" to monitor social media.
"A proper legal process follows evidence to establish a crime—it does not fabricate crimes based on individuals," Kaya stated. "We see this indictment as an attempt to manufacture a crime. This is, in essence, an attack on press freedom and journalism. We demand my client’s acquittal."
After hearing the defense statements, the court decided to allow additional time for the preparation of the prosecution’s final opinion. The trial was adjourned until April 29.
