Court delivers verdict: Calling someone 'Minister of Crime' is freedom of expression
Didar Gül, a member of Mor Dayanışma who referred to former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu as the "Minister of Crime" during a press statement, has been acquitted in the "insult" case filed against her.
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The third hearing of the case filed against Mor Dayanışma member Didar Gül on charges of "insulting" the then-Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu was held at the İzmir 27th Criminal Court of First Instance.
Gül's lawyer was present at the hearing.
Making a defense at the hearing, lawyer Evren Çıldır stated that the speech made during the press statement, which was the subject of the trial, fell under the right to criticism within the scope of freedom of expression. Stating that the remarks did not constitute a crime, Çıldır requested his client's acquittal.
PROSECUTOR'S REQUEST
Presenting his opinion to the court, the prosecutor stated that despite the public lawsuit having been filed, the phrase "Minister of Crime" fell within the scope of the right to criticism, and requested Gül's acquittal.
Announcing its verdict, the court acquitted Gül on the grounds that the speech was based on the right to freedom of expression and criticism.