Release for Kazım Güleçyüz, who offered condolences to FETÖ

Kazım Güleçyüz, the former Editor-in-Chief of Yeni Asya newspaper, had been arrested due to a condolence post he shared on social media following the death of FETÖ ringleader Fethullah Gülen. After 57 days of detention, Güleçyüz was released during the hearing held at the Istanbul 28th High Criminal Court.

'OFFERING MERCY TO THE DECEASED IS PART OF OUR FAITH'

In his defense, Güleçyüz stated that he had faced such an accusation for the first time in his 33-year journalism career. Furthermore, he emphasized that the accusations were baseless, stating, "The presumption of innocence was disregarded." In his defense, Güleçyüz said, “Offering mercy to a deceased person is part of our faith and culture,” and asserted that there is no legal basis for considering a condolence message a crime.

Arguing that the condolence message did not constitute the crime of propaganda, Güleçyüz said that the four-sentence message he shared could not be considered a crime. His lawyer requested his client's release and acquittal.

The prosecutor requested the continuation of detention, considering the nature of the crime and the current state of evidence. However, following an evaluation, the court decided to release Kazım Güleçyüz and another defendant. The trial was adjourned until March 4, 2025.

WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

Kazım Güleçyüz, the former Editor-in-Chief of the Nurcu publication Yeni Asya newspaper, had published a condolence message on October 21 following the death of FETÖ ringleader Gülen. Following the message, which drew backlash, Güleçyüz was taken into custody and arrested, and his X account was blocked from access in Turkey. The newspaper stated that they did not approve of Güleçyüz's condolence message and removed his name from the masthead as editor-in-chief.