Journalist Ayşenur Arslan acquitted in trial

Journalist and author Ayşenur Arslan appeared in court today for the third hearing of the trial in which she faced up to 7.5 years in prison on charges of 'terrorist propaganda.'

ACQUITTED

The Medya Mahallesi program on Halk TV, which was targeted following the bomb attack in front of the Ministry of Interior on October 1, 2023, led to a lawsuit against journalist Ayşenur Arslan, whose 3rd hearing was held today.

SUPPORT FROM JOURNALISTS

Arslan, who was tried at the Istanbul 14th High Criminal Court on charges of 'making propaganda for an organization,' attended the hearing with her lawyers, while Halk TV Editor-in-Chief Suat Toktaş and numerous journalists were also present in the courtroom to show their support.

FROM THE INDICTMENT

In the indictment against Arslan, for whom a prison sentence of up to 7 years and 6 months was requested, it was assessed regarding her words on the program that "this discourse is of a nature to create chaos and public outrage within society, and is guiding and providing ideas for actions likely to be carried out by terrorist organizations."

‘WHO LISTENED TO AYŞENUR ARSLAN AND ATTACKED WHERE?’

Uğur Poyraz, one of Arslan's lawyers, took the floor first at the hearing. Stating, “It is a great misfortune to direct this accusation against Ayşenur Arslan,” Poyraz said, “Who listened to Ayşenur Arslan and attacked where? There must be a concrete result. But it is vaguely said that you are ‘encouraging people to commit crimes.’ This is absurd.”

‘YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED EITHER LIKE ALİ ELVERDİ OR WITH HONOR’

Addressing the presiding judge, Poyraz concluded his defense by saying, “Today is May 6, the anniversary of the execution of the Denizes. You will be remembered either like Ali Elverdi, who decided on their execution, or you will be remembered with honor. I trust you.”

‘THE TERRORIST LEADER WAS INVITED TO THE TBMM, DID ARSLAN’S WORDS BECOME PROPAGANDA?’

According to the news on Halk TV, after Poyraz, Arslan's other lawyer, İlker Göktaş, began his defense.

“A prison sentence is being requested for Ayşenur Arslan with a copy-paste opinion. It is the prosecutor's duty to collect evidence in favor of the defendant. However, this has not been done. Who did Ayşenur Arslan guide with her words?” Göktaş began his defense with these words and also said the following:

“Is my client here because she called the PKK a terrorist organization, or because she made terrorist propaganda? The terrorist leader's message was read at Sırrı Süreyya Önder's funeral, and MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli invited the terrorist leader to the TBMM. Did my client's words become terrorist organization propaganda?”

REQUEST FOR ACQUITTAL

Lawyer Sebla Öztürk, who also made a defense at the hearing, stated, “The material and moral elements of the crime have not been formed. The client is a journalist and has informed the public within the framework of freedom of the press.”

‘I DO NOT WANT ACQUITTAL, I WANT JUSTICE’

All three lawyers requested Arslan's acquittal. The presiding judge asked for Ayşenur Arslan's final statement.

Arslan said:

“Being accused of terrorist organization propaganda at the end of my 50-year journalism career feels terrible. I am not saying acquittal, I am saying justice.”

Following Arslan's final words, the court took a break for the verdict. The court unanimously decided to acquit Arslan.