The hearing of the case in which journalist Veyis Ateş is being tried on charges of "facilitating the use of narcotic substances" and "trafficking of narcotic or stimulant substances" was held at the Istanbul 6th High Criminal Court. Ateş faces up to 40 years in prison.
Serap Şaylan and Ebru Gülan, who were expected to be heard as witnesses, were not present at the hearing. The presiding judge ruled that a forced appearance order be issued for the two witnesses.
The defendant, who is being tried without arrest, Veyis Ateş, stated that he wanted the witnesses to be heard as soon as possible, saying, "I was a witness in the Mehmet Akif file. I attended that hearing after my release. I have already served a 9-month detention period. I am a media figure. My only concern and goal is for the witnesses to come and be heard as soon as possible. My only wish is to be acquitted. Witness Serap had said in her previous statement, 'He invited me to Çengelköy.' I had previously stated that I had never lived in Çengelköy. I want to remind her of this."
The court adjourned the hearing to December 8 for the witnesses to be heard.
News Source: 12punto
