EYLEM SONBAHAR
A new expert report has led the prosecutor to revise their opinion in the case of journalist Sultan Eylem Keleş and four others, who were detained while covering a labor protest in Istanbul. The prosecutor is now seeking acquittal on charges of “insulting a public official” but continues to demand convictions for “resisting to prevent the performance of duty.”
The 10th hearing of the case was held at the Istanbul 72nd Criminal Court of First Instance. Keleş, who is being represented by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), did not attend the hearing. Her lawyer, Hazal Sümeli, was present and stated that she did not accept the unfavorable findings in the new expert report related to the incident.
The charges stem from a demonstration by former BİMEKS workers, who were protesting their dismissal. Keleş and four others were taken into custody during the protest and later charged with “insulting a public official” and “resisting to prevent the performance of duty.”
In an earlier hearing on Jan. 26, 2024, the prosecutor had recommended that all defendants be convicted on both charges. However, following the submission of a new expert report analyzing the events of the day in question, the prosecutor revised the final opinion. The new opinion calls for acquittals on the insult charges but maintains that all five defendants should be convicted for resisting law enforcement.
The court granted defense lawyers additional time to respond to the revised opinion and adjourned the trial until July 17 at 9 a.m.
