Journalists Ercüment Akdeniz and Yıldız Tar are among four people accused of “membership in an armed terrorist organization” in an indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, which criminalizes their journalism and professional communications as evidence of terrorism.
The 153-page indictment alleges that both journalists participated in meetings organized by the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK) in 2023, and claims that statements made during those gatherings reflected “a line parallel to the PKK/KCK.” Prosecutors argue that HDK operates as the “urban structure” of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has waged an armed insurgency against the Turkish state since the 1980s and is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.
Akdeniz and Tar were arrested in February 2025 and remain in pretrial detention. Authorities cite their involvement in HDK events, including panel discussions and public congresses, as well as phone conversations and meeting notes, as evidence of criminal activity. Much of this material relates directly to their journalism.
Journalism portrayed as criminal activity
Yıldız Tar’s professional work as a journalist was a particular focus of the indictment. Prosecutors cited her role as editor-in-chief of the leftist news agency Etkin Haber Ajansı (ETHA), and portrayed routine editorial tasks such as field coordination and phone briefings as “organizational communication.”
In one example from the indictment, Tar called ETHA editor Derya Okatan during May Day protests on May 1, 2013, to report on a police crackdown at the DİSK labor confederation building in Istanbul. Tar told Okatan: “There are three injured people inside DİSK, two are in critical condition.” When asked for names, she replied that she did not know. She went on to describe tear gas being fired into the building and clashes outside. Despite the call clearly reflecting a reporter relaying real-time developments to an editor, prosecutors labeled the exchange as “organizational coordination.”
Akdeniz: ‘I participated as a journalist’
Ercüment Akdeniz, a member of Turkey’s leftist Labor Party (EMEP), said in his statement that he took part in HDK panels and congresses solely in his capacity as a journalist and author focused on refugee and labor rights. He emphasized that he was neither a member nor a leader within HDK.
Nevertheless, the indictment presents Akdeniz’s participation in a 2013 HDK meeting, his comments on youth policy, and phone conversations with reporters as part of a broader “militant indoctrination” process. Prosecutors argue that all of HDK’s activities—including work related to women, youth, and local democracy—serve as tools to advance the PKK’s aims under a “legal facade.”
Prosecutors link public activism to terrorism
The indictment heavily targets HDK itself, describing the organization as a covert extension of the PKK. It frames HDK’s official documents, structure, and public events—including press statements, local council meetings, and advocacy for prisoner releases—as evidence of subversion. Even HDK’s women’s and LGBTQ+ assemblies are listed as suspicious activities.
Despite the terrorism charges, the indictment does not present any evidence that Akdeniz or Tar were involved in or supported armed violence. Most of the evidence is based on public activities, such as press conferences, social media posts, and attendance at civil society meetings.
Both journalists are charged under Article 314/2 of the Turkish Penal Code, which criminalizes membership in an armed organization. The indictment also calls for an increased sentence under Articles 3 and 5 of Turkey’s Anti-Terror Law, which allow for harsher penalties for crimes deemed related to terrorism.
