Erdem Gül, former Ankara representative of Cumhuriyet newspaper and currently Mayor of Adalar district of Istanbul, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for "aiding an organization" in a case related to a news report where Cumhuriyet reported that Turkey supplied weaons to jihadist groups in Syria, often referred to as the "National Intelligence Agency (MİT) Trucks" story. The verdict was delivered in a trial that resumed following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn an earlier ruling.
The case involves journalist Erdem Gül, who was retried for "knowingly and willingly aiding an organization without being part of its hierarchical structure" due to a news report about the MİT Trucks. The third hearing of this retrial took place on February 28, 2024.
The hearing was held at the 14th High Criminal Court in Istanbul. Gül was present along with his lawyers Fikret İlkiz, Akın Atalay, Abbas Yalçın, Tora Pekin, and Yiğit Acar.
The prosecutor reiterated his sentencing request from November 30, 2023. Gül, maintaining his innocence, stated, "Journalism is not a crime."
His lawyer Fikret İlkiz argued that the MİT Trucks news story would have been reported by anyone, not just Erdem Gül and Can Dündar. Another lawyer, Akın Atalay, requested the court to seriously consider their claim of the unconstitutionality of Article 220/7 of the Turkish Penal Code. The court, after a recess, rejected the prosecutor's request to dismiss this claim.
Tora Pekin, also representing Gül, asserted that no evidence against his client was presented, while evidence in his favor did emerge, stating these could be considered exculpatory.
Final Plea and Verdict:
In his final statement, Gül sought acquittal, advocating for "journalism and justice." However, the court announced its decision to sentence Erdem Gül to 5 years in prison for "aiding an organization."
Context:
The MİT Trucks case refers to a controversial incident in Turkey involving trucks allegedly owned by the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and linked to arms shipments. The case has been a focal point in debates over press freedom in Turkey, with critics arguing that the charges against journalists like Erdem Gül represent an effort to stifle investigative journalism and dissent.
