- An indictment has been prepared against ETHA reporter Pınar Gayıp, who has been jailed since Feb. 5, on a charge of “membership in an armed terrorist organization.” The prosecution cited journalistic activities, witness statements, phone and financial transactions, and an online meeting among the grounds for the accusation.
- While the indictment states that “no crime or criminal element was found” in Gayıp’s digital materials, an ETHA press card, login records for the agency’s account, and a photograph taken while wearing an Atılım newspaper vest were also included in the case file.
- Gayıp remains in pretrial detention. The first hearing will be held on Sept. 14, 2026.
An indictment was prepared on June 3 against Etkin News Agency (ETHA) reporter Pınar Gayıp, who is represented by MLSA. The prosecution is seeking Gayıp’s punishment for “membership in an armed terrorist organization.”
What has changed in the case since the first “In 10 Questions” news report we published in February? What allegations were included in the indictment, and what stage is the case at now?
1) What had happened in the Pınar Gayıp case?
Pınar Gayıp was detained on Feb. 3, 2026, and arrested on Feb. 5 on a charge of “membership in an armed terrorist organization.”
During the investigation, Gayıp was questioned about his work at ETHA and Atılım newspaper, the demonstrations and funerals he covered, phone calls and money transfers. Gayıp told the judgeship that he had attended these events as a journalist and that in some footage he could be seen with a camera around his neck.
2) What is Gayıp accused of in the indictment?
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is seeking Gayıp’s punishment for “membership in an armed terrorist organization.”
The prosecution alleges that Gayıp is linked to the MLKP and engaged in continuous activities within the organization.
3) What evidence is the prosecution relying on?
The indictment includes witness statements and statements given under effective remorse provisions, Gayıp’s work at ETHA, his presence at demonstrations and funerals, phone calls, financial transactions and a Google Meet meeting.
An ETHA press card, logins to the agency’s accounts and some photographs related to Atılım newspaper are also among the elements listed in the case file.
4) What do the witnesses say about Gayıp?
The indictment includes statements given by about 10 people in different investigations in the past.
Some of these people claim that Gayıp was “in charge” at ETHA and that he participated in certain demonstrations and events.
5) How were journalistic activities included in the case file?
Gayıp’s work at ETHA, carrying a press card, logging into the agency’s accounts and covering various demonstrations, funerals and commemorations are evaluated in the indictment together with the allegation of organization membership.
Gayıp, however, says he was present at these events as a journalist. The indictment also characterizes the hunger strike he staged while in custody as an “organizational stance.”
6) What is in the phone and financial records?
The prosecution states that Gayıp had communication records with 327 people who had been subject to proceedings over terrorism offenses.
MASAK records include money transfers made with different people. The case file contains transactions involving everyday exchanges of money, as well as transfers of small amounts such as 100 Turkish liras and 65 Turkish liras.
7) What is the allegation about the Google Meet meeting?
One of the witnesses who gave a statement under effective remorse provisions names Gayıp among the people who attended an online meeting.
The name “Pınar” appears in one of the Google Meet screenshots found on this witness’s phone. While the prosecution alleges that the organization’s activities were discussed at the meeting, the case file contains no record of what Gayıp said during the meeting.
8) What was found in the digital examination?
The indictment states that an ETHA press card, login records for the agency’s account and a photograph taken while wearing an Atılım newspaper vest were found on Gayıp’s phone.
However, the same indictment also states that “no crime or criminal element was found” in the seized digital materials.
9) What happened after the indictment?
The case was filed at the Istanbul 23rd High Criminal Court and was merged with another case against Gayıp that is ongoing before the same court.
The court ruled to continue Gayıp’s pretrial detention.
10) When will Pınar Gayıp appear before a judge?
Gayıp remains in pretrial detention. MLSA lawyers filed an individual application with the Constitutional Court on July 17 challenging his detention.
The first hearing will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2026, at the Istanbul 23rd High Criminal Court.
