The final hearing of the case in which imprisoned journalist Furkan Karabay is being tried for his reporting on the investigation conducted into Esenyurt Mayor Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özer is being held today.
Colleagues and press organizations issued a call for solidarity ahead of the hearing, which is scheduled for 11:30 AM at the Istanbul 22nd High Criminal Court.
DİSK Basın-İş went to the Çağlayan Courthouse to follow the hearing. The statement included the following: "We are at the Çağlayan Courthouse for the second hearing of the case in which our member Furkan Karabay is being tried, with his news reports and social media posts regarding the investigation process of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer cited as grounds. Furkan Karabay, who is imprisoned due to his journalistic activities, must be released immediately!"
We are at the Çağlayan Courthouse for the second hearing of the case in which our member Furkan Karabay is being tried, with his news reports and social media posts regarding the investigation process of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer cited as grounds.
— DİSK Basın-İş (@diskbasinis) October 2, 2025
Furkan Karabay, who is imprisoned due to his journalistic activities… pic.twitter.com/UBW4TJK3Wb
WHY IS FURKAN KARABAY IMPRISONED?
Karabay has been held in Silivri Prison since May 15 on charges of "insulting the President," "targeting individuals involved in the fight against terrorism in a chain manner," and "insulting a public official due to their duty," based on a video he prepared for YouTube and his social media posts.
ACQUITTAL AND FINE ISSUED, DETENTION TO CONTINUE
The court issued a verdict of acquittal and a fine for Karabay. However, Karabay's detention will continue due to another case against him.
News Source: 12punto
