Breaking News: Dawn operation against journalists! Timur Soykan and Murat Ağırel detained

As part of an investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, journalists Murat Ağırel and Timur Soykan were detained in a dawn operation on charges of "threats" and "blackmail."

Journalist Şule Aydın reported that police teams were conducting searches at the homes of Soykan and Ağırel.

Murat and Timur are being detained. Their homes are currently being searched.
Enough!

— Şule Aydın (@aydinsule1) April 10, 2025

Digital equipment belonging to the two journalists was seized during the searches of their homes.

"DETENTION MEASURE DEEMED NECESSARY"

In the detention order, the prosecutor's office stated, "Given the penalty amount required for the alleged crime, the possibility of the suspects fleeing and destroying, altering, or concealing evidence, and the presence of sufficient evidence and indications against them, the measure of detention has been deemed necessary."

PROCEEDINGS INITIATED UPON ERKAN KORK'S COMPLAINT

The statement issued by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is as follows:

"In the investigation conducted regarding money laundering crimes, an investigation has been initiated under Articles 106/1 (Threat) and 107/1 (Blackmail) of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) concerning the alleged actions of the individuals involved, following complaints from those listed as suspects in the investigation regarding the transfer and acquisition of the television channel named Flash Haber TV, who claimed that Murat Ağırel and Timur Soykan had threatened and blackmailed them. The investigation, including detention, search, and seizure procedures, is ongoing."

It was learned that Soykan and Ağırel were taken to the hospital for health checks.

FIRST STATEMENT FROM MURAT AĞIREL'S LAWYER

On the other hand, it was learned that although Timur Soykan and Murat Ağırel had notified the prosecutor's office that they would go to provide their statements today, they were detained in a dawn operation.

Murat Ağırel's lawyer, Enes Ermaner, made a statement regarding the matter.

"Although the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office knew that we would come to give statements today, they carried out a detention procedure against journalists Murat Ağırel and Timur Soykan this morning, and both journalists were detained after searches and seizures were conducted at their residences.

Carrying out detention procedures against individuals who have scheduled an appointment for testimony and are known to be coming to testify is not only contrary to the law but also clearly demonstrates the application of Enemy Criminal Law. 

Both journalists are being taken to the Vatan Police Headquarters."

CHP Deputy Chairman Burhanettin Bulut reacted to the detention of Soykan and Ağırel in a post on his X account.

Bulut stated the following:

"Enough! Journalists Timur Soykan and Murat Ağırel were detained again in a dawn operation. The sole purpose of those who subject Turkey to these ugly scenes and use the judiciary as a stick is to intimidate journalists who criticize the government and the free media. Journalism is not a crime! Down with tyranny, long live liberty!"

Enough!
Journalists Timur Soykan and Murat Ağırel were detained again in a dawn operation. The sole purpose of those who subject Turkey to these ugly scenes and use the judiciary as a stick is to intimidate journalists who criticize the government and the free media.
Journalism is not a crime!…

— Burhanettin Bulut (@eczburhan) April 10, 2025

Journalist Barış Pehlivan stated in a post on his X account: “Think about it: You have notified the prosecutor's office that you will go to the courthouse today to give a statement. But while you are still asleep, the police raid your home and you are detained. Because Timur and Murat are journalists. Because they challenge this lawless order with their pens. It's a shame, a real shame!” he said.

Think about it: You have notified the prosecutor's office that you will go to the courthouse today to give a statement. But while you are still asleep, the police raid your home and you are detained.
Because Timur and Murat are journalists. Because they challenge this lawless order with their pens. It's a shame, a real shame!

— Barış Pehlivan (@barispehlivan) April 10, 2025

Barış Terkoğlu stated, “Dear Timur and Murat have been detained. Both of them were already going to the courthouse today, where they go frequently, to give statements. We know they are being subjected to this treatment because they are practicing journalism.” he shared.

Dear Timur and Murat have been detained.
Both of them were already going to the courthouse today, where they go frequently, to give statements.
We know they are being subjected to this treatment because they are practicing journalism. https://t.co/aur7UODKe2

— Barış Terkoğlu (@baristerkoglu) April 10, 2025

News Source: 12punto