House arrest imposed on journalist İsmail Saymaz

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has imposed house arrest on İsmail Saymaz on charges of 'aiding in the attempt to overthrow the Republic of Turkey.' Saymaz has been released.

Saymaz was referred to the Çağlayan Courthouse early today and interrogated by the prosecutor's office. It was announced that Saymaz would be tried before the duty magistrate judge today.

Saymaz was detained as part of an investigation launched on allegations of 'aiding in the attempt to overthrow the Government of the Republic of Turkey.' Following the completion of his procedures at the police station, Saymaz was referred to the Çağlayan Courthouse in the morning, and a request for house arrest was made after his statement to the prosecutor was completed.

İSMAİL SAYMAZ'S DETENTION PROCESS

Within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Saymaz's phone calls and social media posts regarding the Gezi Park protests were examined. In its statement, the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office included allegations that Saymaz attempted to spread the Gezi Park protests across the country and incited citizens against law enforcement officers. Furthermore, it was stated that investigations into individuals alleged to have played a role in the organization of the Gezi Park events would be deepened.

Saymaz, in a statement made through his lawyer, used the following expressions:

'Since no other crime could be attributed to me, they want to throw me into the Gezi Park file. My journalistic efforts are being attempted to be blocked in this way, and I am clearly being targeted to be silenced.'

Saymaz was brought to the courthouse after health checks. A decision regarding the house arrest request for Saymaz, whose statement to the prosecutor has been completed, is awaited. It was reported that work regarding other individuals involved in the Gezi Park events is continuing as part of the investigation.