Trial of journalists accused of aiding Gülen movement postponed due to Gökçe Fırat’s illness
The trial of seven journalists, including Ahmet Memiş, Ali Akkuş, Cemal Azmi Kalyoncu, Gökçe Fırat Çulhaoğlu, Ünal Tanık, Yakup Çetin, and Yetkin Yıldız, charged with "knowingly and willingly aiding a terrorist organization" and "membership in a terrorist organization," was postponed today at the Istanbul 25th High Criminal Court due to Gökçe Fırat’s illness. His lawyer requested more time, stating that Fırat is suffering from a severe lung condition and wishes to make his defense once he recovers. All other defendants were present in court.
The prosecutor repeated the final opinion previously submitted. The next hearing is scheduled for December 17.
Background of the case
Following the failed July 15, 2016 coup attempt, a broad investigation into the Gülen movement led to the arrests of numerous journalists from media outlets such as Millet, Zaman, Meydan, Yeni Hayat, Bugün, Rotahaber, Samanyolu news websites, and Cihan News Agency.
At the trial on March 8, 2018, one defendant was acquitted, while others received various prison sentences for "membership in an armed terrorist organization." The court ruled to continue the detention of 19 journalists.
On May 5, 2020, the Court of Cassation upheld the sentences of 17 defendants but overturned the convictions of eight others. The retrial of those whose sentences were overturned, including journalists and writer-musician Atilla Taş, began on February 17, 2022. Atilla Taş's case was separated from the others at the first hearing.
The prosecution has requested the conviction of Yakup Çetin, Yetkin Yıldız, and Ünal Tanık for "membership in a terrorist organization" and the conviction of Ahmet Memiş, Ali Akkuş, Cemal Azmi Kalyoncu, and Gökçe Fırat Çulhaoğlu for "aiding a terrorist organization."
