Trial of journalist Deniz Yücel adjourned until February
İstanbul – Fifth hearing of the trial where Die Welt reporter Deniz Yücel faces “spreading terrorist propaganda” and “provoking the people to hatred and animosity” charges was held at İstanbul 32nd High Criminal Court today.
Journalist Deniz Yücel had presented his defense statement on May 10 in Berlin and the judge noted that Yücel's defense has finally been received by the court and was offically added to the case-file. Yücel’s lawyer Veysel Ok took the floor first and noted that the case is at the decision phase and requested the court to seek the prosecutor’s final opinion.
When given the floor, the prosecutor requested additional time to prepare the final opinion as to accusations.
The court accepted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the trial until February 13, 2020.
After announcing the the interim decision, the Presiding Judge reacted to Deniz Yücel’s claim that he was released unlawfully just like he was detained unlawfully, noting that he has not released anyone unlawfully ever. The judge asked lawyer Veysel Ok, “Have you never received a release order with preliminary authorization? This exists in our criminal procedure code.” “Yes,” replied Ok, “I have received release orders with preliminary authorization in the past.” The judge then stated that Yücel's defense was unlawful. Ok noted that he would touch upon this issue in his final defense statement.