Constitutional Court rules for compensation for Merdan Yanardağ

The Constitutional Court (AYM) has concluded that the arrest of journalist Merdan Yanardağ due to his statements on TELE1 in 2023 "violated the right to personal liberty and security." In line with this decision, it was ruled that 166 thousand 500 Turkish Lira in non-pecuniary damages be paid to Yanardağ and that the decision be forwarded to the Istanbul 30th High Criminal Court.

In its ruling, the Constitutional Court stated that the remarks made by Yanardağ regarding PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan did not constitute "praising, encouraging, or legitimizing an armed terrorist organization." The court emphasized that there was no "praise of force, violence, or threats" in Yanardağ's words.

The court noted that when evaluated within their context, Yanardağ's statements did not provide strong evidence that a crime had been committed. Therefore, it was concluded that the arrest was disproportionate in terms of fundamental rights and freedoms.