Statement from İsmail Saymaz via his lawyer: 'Since no other crime could be attributed to me, they want to throw me into the Gezi Park file'

İsmail Saymaz denied the accusations directed at him: "I played no role in the organization, nationwide spread, or continuation of the Gezi Park protests. For 12 years, I was never once accused or held responsible for the Gezi Park protests. Since no other crime could be attributed to me, they want to throw me into the Gezi Park file."

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Statement from İsmail Saymaz via his lawyer: 'Since no other crime could be attributed to me, they want to throw me into the Gezi Park file'

Journalist İsmail Saymaz's lawyer, Aslı Kazan, shared Saymaz's statement regarding the accusations directed at him.

İsmail Saymaz's responses to the allegations in the press statement:

"I have had no meetings with Osman Kavala other than for journalistic purposes. I have no knowledge of, nor did I have any meetings regarding, the alleged attempt by Kavala to establish a website and a television station. I knew Can Atalay, both before and after Gezi Park, as a lawyer for various cases concerning social developments.

Our frequency of contact stems from this. I know and am acquainted with Çiğdem Mater both from our social circle and because her husband and mother are my colleagues.

I called Mücella Yapıcı as a news source, and we spoke. I followed the Gezi events as a reporter starting from June 1st. I reported on the events and developments in an impartial and objective manner.

I did not make any posts that could be interpreted as an invitation to the streets or as provocation. I stayed away from anti-democratic approaches toward the political power and from aggressive language toward Erdoğan and his family.

I played no role in the organization, nationwide spread, or continuation of the Gezi Park protests.

During these events, I only wrote about human rights violations, primarily the murder of Ali İsmail Korkmaz. This journalistic effort of mine has been awarded by both national and international press organizations."

For 12 years, I have not been accused or held responsible for the Gezi Park protests even once.

Since no other crime can be attributed to me, they want to throw me into the Gezi Park file.

My journalistic efforts are being hindered in this way, and they clearly want to silence me. I have never let down any citizen who trusted and believed in me. It has become clear how much the character assassinations that have been going on for weeks are aimed at smearing me. I am innocent and guiltless. I am holding my wife, my son, and my family close, and I send my greetings to everyone."

News Source: 12punto