This week, many journalists, artists, and rights advocates will appear before judges in cases filed on the grounds of freedom of expression, journalistic activities, and social media posts. Cases in which charges such as “spreading misleading information,” “insult,” and “organization-related offenses” stand out are drawing attention.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
09:30 – The 18th hearing in the trial against artist Ferhat Tunç, filed on the charge of “making propaganda for an organization” based on social media posts, will be held at the Istanbul 37th High Criminal Court.
10:25 – The third hearing in the trial against LeMan magazine cartoonist Doğan Pehlevan, filed on the charge of “insulting the President,” will be held at the Istanbul 36th Criminal Court of First Instance. The case file was adjourned at the previous hearing to be sent for the prosecutor’s opinion.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
10:00 – The sixth hearing in the trial against human rights defender Nimet Tanrıkulu, filed on the allegation of “membership in an organization,” will be held at the Istanbul 24th High Criminal Court. In the case, where statements by secret witnesses and participation in various events are presented as evidence, the previous hearing was adjourned for the completion of deficiencies.
Friday, March 27, 2026
09:30 – The second hearing in the trial against artist Mabel Matiz, filed on the charge of “obscenity” due to song lyrics, will be held at the Istanbul 54th Criminal Court of First Instance.
10:30 – The 12th hearing in the trial against Ömer Faruk Eminağaoğlu, former head of YARSAV and spokesperson for the Secularism Assembly, filed on charges of “insult” and “defamation,” will be held at the Ankara 11th Criminal Court of First Instance.
15:45 – A hearing will be held at the Istanbul 23rd Criminal Court of First Instance in the trial against journalist Zafer Arapkirli, who faces charges of “inciting the public to hatred and hostility” and “spreading misleading information.”
