Pro-government media had targeted him: Zafer Arapkirli's 'insulting the president' trial adjourned

The first hearing in the case where journalist Zafer Arapkirli is being tried on charges of 'insulting the President' was held today. The trial, which was initiated following a social media denunciation by Türkiye newspaper columnist Cem Küçük, has been adjourned until January 13.

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Pro-government media had targeted him: Zafer Arapkirli's 'insulting the president' trial adjourned

BirGün columnist Zafer Arapkirli appeared in court today for the first time in the case opened on allegations of "insulting the President." The hearing was held at the Istanbul 60th Criminal Court of First Instance.

The hearing was attended by Istanbul Bar Association President İbrahim Kaboğlu, TGC Secretary General Sibel Güneş, representatives of the Journalists' Union of Turkey, former CHP MP Kadir Gökmen Öğüt, and numerous journalists and lawyers. Kaboğlu also served as one of Arapkirli's defense attorneys.

ARAPKİRLİ DENIED THE ALLEGATIONS

In the session, which began with identity verification, Zafer Arapkirli delivered a lengthy defense and did not accept the charges. Stating that the trial has a political dimension, Arapkirli described the denunciation as a "baseless accusation by a pro-regime informant."

Arapkirli stated, "There is a trial here based on a denunciation and complaint," adding, "There is no crime here. We can only speak of a political trial and, as in every political trial, an 'effort to silence and intimidate.'"

Pointing out that the description of "bad screenwriter" mentioned in the post included in the indictment cannot be considered a crime, Arapkirli said, "Even a first-semester law student, let alone a prosecutor or a judge, could appreciate that the phrase 'You are a bad screenwriter' mentioned in the Twitter post that is the subject of the case would not constitute a crime even if someone else used it to address President Recep Bey one day."

"MY PLACE IS MY DESK IN THE STUDIO"

Continuing his defense, Arapkirli also touched upon the country's problems, saying, "While this defendant's chair should be occupied by real criminals, I am the one occupying it. Let us go and do our jobs. My place is my broadcast desk in the studio. Not here."

TRIAL ADJOURNED TO JANUARY 13

Following the statements, the court adjourned the hearing until January 13, 2026, at 10:50 AM. The panel approved the Presidency's request to join the case. The requests by Arapkirli's lawyers to write a writ to the Ministry of Justice and the TBMM Justice Commission were rejected.

News Source: 12punto