Facing up to 7.5 years in prison: Ayşenur Arslan's hearing adjourned

Journalist Ayşenur Arslan appeared in court in the case where she faces up to 7.5 years in prison for remarks made during her television program. The hearing in Arslan's trial has been adjourned. 

The prosecutor, presenting their final opinion on the merits, requested that Ayşenur Arslan be punished for the crime of "propagandizing for an organization." 

According to T24, the court accepted the request for time from Arslan and her lawyers to prepare a defense regarding the prosecutor's opinion and adjourned the hearing to May 6.

Journalist Ayşenur Arslan appeared in court in the case opened against her due to remarks she made while commenting on the news regarding the attack carried out by the PKK on the Ministry of Interior during her program broadcast on Halk TV on October 2, 2023. A prison sentence of 1 to 7.5 years was requested for Arslan on the charge of "making propaganda for a terrorist organization."

The hearing of the case, which is being held at the Istanbul 14th High Criminal Court, has begun. Arslan, who was present at the hearing with her lawyers, stated in her defense:

"On the program, I drew attention to the subject as someone who has researched suicide attacks with 50 years of journalistic experience. The truth is revealed through questions. If we forget to ask questions, we cannot call ourselves journalists. I have never made terrorist propaganda, and I never will."

Stating that the elements of the crime were not met, lawyer Ziya İlker Göktaş said, "This is a sad indictment in terms of freedom of expression and the press. We demand the immediate acquittal of our client regarding this accusation."

Reading some parts of the indictment, lawyer Uğur Poyraz said, "Who took action and attacked anyone because of this broadcast by Ayşenur Arslan? They are trying to create a defendant from a non-existent, imaginary result and, through her, silence the voice of the entire opposition."

News Source: 12punto