Several journalism and free speech trials were held last week. Below is a list of the hearings monitored by Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) last week:
Ankara court dismisses case where journalist Çiğdem Toker is sued for article about PTT
An Ankara court dismissed the case where Sözcü columnist Çiğdem Toker trial was sued for 50000 Turkish Liras in reparations by the Organization of Post and Telegraph (PTT) due to a column titled “PTT’s privileged company” published in Cumhuriyet daily in 2018.
Photojournalist Çağdaş Erdoğan’s trial adjourned until October
Sixth hearing of the trial where photojournalist Çağdaş Erdoğan faces “making terrorist propaganda” and “membership in a terrorist organization” charges was held at İstanbul 33rd High Criminal Court today. Erdoğan is represented by Media and Law Studies Association’s (MLSA) Legal Unit. MLSA lawyers requested extra time to prepare an effective defense in response to the prosecutor’s final opinion as to the accusations. The court accepted this request and adjourned the trial until 5 September 2019.
https://medyavehukuk.org/en/photojournalist-cagdas-erdogans-trial-adjourned-until-september
Journalists Semiha Şahin and Pınar Gayıp released with house arrest
Fifth hearing of the trial where Etkin News Agency (ETHA) editor Semiha Şahin and reporter Pınar Gayıp are tried whilst detention was held at İstanbul 23rd High Criminal Court. The prosecutor requested the continuation of Gayıp’s and Şahin’s detention. However, the court ruled to release journalists Semiha Şahin and Pınar Gayıp with judicial control measures including house arrest. Trial is adjourned until 15 October.
https://medyavehukuk.org/en/journalists-semiha-sahin-and-pinar-gayip-are-released-house-arrest
ECtHR requests Turkish government’s defense in journalist İdris Sayılğan’s case
European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) requested the Turkish government’s defense in the case of journalist İdris Sayılğan, who has been behind bars at Trabzon Prison for over 2 years. Sayılğan is represented by Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA). ECtHR requests the government’s defense in a Kurdish journalist’s case for the first time since the coup attempt of 15 July 2016
https://medyavehukuk.org/en/ecthr-requests-turkish-governments-defense-case-idris-sayilgan
Sözcü newspaper trial where staff is accused of aiding FETÖ adjourned until September
Eighth hearing of the trial where executives and staff of Sözcü newspaper face terror-related charges was held at İstanbul 37th High Criminal Court. Defendants Emin Çölaşan, Necati Doğru, Metin Yılmaz, Yücel Arı, Mediha Olgun, and Gökmen Ulu presented their final defense statements during today’s hearing. Some of the other defendants and their lawyers are granted additional time for their final statements. The court accepted this request and adjourned the trial until September 4th. Lawyers’ request for case dismissal will be considered during next hearing while the verdict is deliberated.
