Former AKP figure speaks out on Fatih Altaylı: Calls for release

Former AKP spokesperson and Minister of National Education Hüseyin Çelik criticized the prison sentence handed down to journalist Fatih Altaylı and the ongoing detention of former AKP deputy Hüseyin Kocabıyık. Çelik stated that neither individual should be the subject of criminal prosecution within the framework of democratic standards.

ÇELİK CRITICIZES PRISON SENTENCES

In his statement regarding Altaylı receiving a 4-year-and-2-month prison sentence on charges of threatening the president, Çelik recalled that Altaylı had written many critical articles about him in the past, highlighting Altaylı's journalistic credentials. Çelik remarked, "Even though I do not agree with most of his ideas, I have viewed him as an intellectual journalist with a unique stance."

Stating that even if Altaylı's words might draw reactions in democratic countries, they would not trigger a criminal process, Çelik expressed that the prison sentence is incompatible with the understanding of a state governed by the rule of law.

DEMAND FOR KOCABIYIK'S RELEASE AS WELL

Making the same assessment for the imprisoned Hüseyin Kocabıyık, Çelik stated that Kocabıyık's words would also not be a subject for criminal sanctions under democratic standards. Çelik argued that the judicial processes against both individuals should be viewed within the scope of democratic debate rather than as criminal matters.

"A SILENT AND OPPRESSED SOCIETY IS A RISK"

Emphasizing that societies should be left free in the context of freedom of expression, Çelik reacted to current judicial practices with the words, "One should not fear a society that speaks, but rather a society that has been silenced by the pressure of authority and is building up pressure from within."

Stating that journalists and politicians may use harsh language from time to time, Çelik conveyed that in such cases, mechanisms for mutual response, compensation, or democratic debate should be utilized instead of imprisonment.

Saying that checks and balances weaken in a country where opposition journalists and politicians are imprisoned, Çelik noted that the verdict against Altaylı should be overturned on appeal, and that Kocabıyık should be released without penalty.