EYLEM SONBAHAR
A prosecutor has demanded the conviction of Selahattin Okçuoğlu, a member of Turkey’s Human Rights Association (İHD), on charges of “making terrorist organization propaganda” over two social media posts from July 2024. Okçuoğlu, who is being tried at the 26th High Criminal Court in Istanbul, said his posts were aimed at promoting peace and not praising any group.
The trial’s first hearing took place on Tuesday, where Okçuoğlu appeared with his lawyers. In his defense statement, he emphasized his role as the Marmara regional representative of İHD and stated that the posts in question were news reports concerning human rights violations. “I shared these not to praise anyone, but to promote peace. I want no war,” he told the court.
Okçuoğlu is accused under Turkey’s broad anti-terror laws, which have frequently drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and the Council of Europe for being used to stifle dissent and freedom of expression. Critics say the laws allow authorities to criminalize reporting or commentary related to banned Kurdish groups, including the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States.
Attorney Zeynep Ceren Boztoprak, speaking in his defense, argued that sharing news reports—even if controversial—falls under the right to freedom of expression. “There are no expressions in the posts that praise or promote violence. Whether it’s news or personal opinion, this is protected under freedom of expression,” she said. “Even if prosecutors or judges do not like it, that does not make it a crime. Reporting news is also a part of freedom of expression. We request our client be acquitted.”
At the same hearing, the prosecutor presented the final opinion on the merits of the case, calling for Okçuoğlu’s conviction under charges of making propaganda for a terrorist organization. Following a request from the defense for more time to prepare, the court adjourned the hearing and set the next session for July 8.
