Release decision for journalists accused of 'publicly spreading misleading information' upheld

Ankara 7th Criminal Court of First Instance had issued a decision for the release of 30 people, including detained journalists Süha Çardaklı and Serkan Kafkas.

In court, despite the prosecutor's request for the continuation of detention, the court panel issued a release decision for all defendants. Zafer Party Chairman Ümit Özdağ announced the release decision, stating, "Release, they have all been released."

The journalists were accused over their social media posts and anti-refugee news reports. Following the court's decision, slogans of "Turkey is Turkish, will remain Turkish" were chanted in the courtroom.

Finally, the Prosecutor's Office had objected to the release of 10 people, including names such as Süha Çardaklı, Serkan Kafkas, and Eray Ertürk. The prosecutor's office had objected to the release of these 10 people. However, the 18th High Criminal Court found the releases appropriate and rejected the prosecutor's objection.

News Source: 12punto