Journalism and freedom of expression cases schedule for the week of June 29, 2026

This week, courts across Turkey will continue hearing cases involving journalists, students, and individuals prosecuted over activities related to freedom of expression.

Hearings throughout the week will focus in particular on cases stemming from the Saraçhane protests, the Boğaziçi University protests, and prosecutions involving freedom of expression. Trials involving journalists, as well as politically significant cases, will also be monitored.

Tuesday, June 30

9:20 a.m. – The first hearing in the case against journalist Melis Ayaz, who is charged with "publicly disseminating misleading information" and "insult," will be held at the Aydın 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance in western Turkey.

Thursday, July 2

9:15 a.m. – The fourth hearing in the case against business owner Ramazan Şimşek, who is charged with "making terrorist organization propaganda" over his social media posts, will be held at the Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court in southeastern Turkey.

Friday, July 3

10:00 a.m. – The third hearing in the trial of 66 people, including journalist Zişan Gür, who was detained while covering the Saraçhane protests, will be held at the Istanbul 26th Criminal Court of First Instance. They are charged with "participating unarmed in an unlawful meeting or demonstration and refusing to disperse despite warnings."

10:00 a.m. – A hearing will be held at the Istanbul 27th High Criminal Court in the case against İsminaz Temel, Havva Cuştan, and 21 other defendants, who face charges of "membership in a terrorist organization" and "making terrorist organization propaganda."

10:00 a.m. – The fourth hearing in the case against T24 reporter Can Öztürk and 14 students detained while covering a protest at Boğaziçi University in 2021 will be held at the Istanbul 69th Criminal Court of First Instance. They are charged with "resisting a public official to prevent the performance of duty" and "participating unarmed in unlawful meetings and demonstrations."

2:00 p.m. – The second hearing in the case against university students Emir Sağlam, Doğukan Mağol, Hamit Akay, Yunus Emre Öksüz, Berzan Bağatarhan, and Barış Süleymanoğlu will be held at the Istanbul 23rd Criminal Court of First Instance. They are charged with violating Turkey's Law No. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations over a protest against the Aleppo massacre.