In Istanbul's 22nd High Criminal Court, the prosecutor called for a sentence against journalist Sezgin Kartal, accused of "membership in an organization," during the fifth hearing of his trial on April 25, 2024. Kartal, who had been released from custody during the second hearing on June 22, 2023, faces these charges following his arrest on January 10, 2024, which coincided with Working Journalists’ Day.
During the latest session, Kartal's lawyer, Berfin Karaşah, was present, though Kartal himself did not attend. Testimony was heard from journalist Haydar Koçak via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBIS) from the Izmir Courthouse. Koçak clarified that during a trip to Suruç with a delegation from civil society and Alevi organizations, they did not cross into Syria, describing the border area as inaccessible. He met Kartal during this mission in September 2014, and they have since encountered each other at various professional events.
The prosecutor presented his opinion seeking punishment for Kartal based on allegations of being part of an armed group. In response, Kartal’s attorney requested time to prepare a statement against the prosecutor’s final opinion, which the court granted by postponing the hearing to June 25.
Background on the case indicates that Kartal was initially detained under the suspicion of organization membership during a house raid on another individual by the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Office on September 16, 2020. This led to the discovery of a photograph dated September 26, 2014, which prosecutors allege shows Kartal's involvement in armed group activities two days prior to its capture in Şanlıurfa's Suruç district.
