Journalist Furkan Karabay's brother: 'Our family is sad, but we know he did nothing wrong'

Harun Karabay, both the brother and lawyer of journalist Furkan Karabay—who was arrested due to his reporting and social media posts regarding Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer—spoke to 12punto. Karabay stated, "We have appealed his detention. Our family is sad, but they know that Furkan did nothing wrong."

Don't leave your news choices to an algorithm - decide for yourself what you read. Add 12punto to your preferred sources!

Journalist Furkan Karabay's brother: 'Our family is sad, but we know he did nothing wrong'

Hazal Güven - 12punto.com.tr

Following the arrest of Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer and the appointment of a trustee in his place, 10Haber reporter and journalist Furkan Karabay was arrested due to his reporting and social media posts on the subject. Karabay, who had reported on critical cases previously managed by Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Akın Gürlek—who is currently overseeing the investigation into Ahmet Özer—was sent to prison after being taken into custody.

An appeal has been filed against Karabay's detention. The appeal petition is expected to be sent to the Criminal Court of First Instance today or tomorrow at the latest, and the court is expected to reach a decision on the appeal.

Furkan Karabay's brother and lawyer, Harun Karabay, answered 12punto's questions. Brother Harun Karabay said, "The appeal against the detention was filed yesterday. It will be sent to the Criminal Court of First Instance today or tomorrow and will be decided upon."

Harun Karabay said the following regarding the situation of Furkan Karabay, who has been in prison for 3 days:

"Furkan is fine. A few of his colleagues went to visit him yesterday. I had also gone the day before. He had previously experienced a period of detention last year for his journalistic activities, which were deemed a crime. Therefore, he is reliving a process he has somewhat experienced before."

'OUR FAMILY IS SAD, BUT THEY KNOW FURKAN DID NOTHING WRONG'

How are your family and relatives doing? What do they think?

"My presence provides some relief to my family. Let us not forget that Furkan is being held inside with an arrest that has no basis. Of course, our family is sad and has experienced an emotional collapse. However, they know that Furkan did nothing wrong."

'DETENTION IS BEING USED AS A METHOD OF PERSECUTION'

Harun Karabay, who is also Furkan Karabay's lawyer, recalled the previous cases filed against Furkan and the acquittal decisions, stating:

"The last 3 chief prosecutors of Çağlayan Courthouse filed lawsuits against Furkan for 'targeting a public official fighting terrorism.' Furkan was acquitted in two of these cases. He has no crime now either. We expect him to be acquitted of this as well. Detention is being used as a method of persecution."

News Source: 12punto