Gerger Fırat Daily News Director Özgür Boğatekin, who was on trial due to his Facebook posts on the news reported in the newspaper in 2017, was sentenced to 1 year, 6 months and 22 days of imprisonment with the allegation of “making illegal organisation propaganda.” Adıyaman 2nd Assize Court issued for the acquittal of the journalist of the charge of “targeting those taking part in the fight against terrorism.”
Making a statement after the hearing, Boğatekin stated, “There is no regret in the act of journalism. We stand with all news we have reported. It is journalism that is being prosecuted here. They take action because there is a newspaper that is opposing them and criticising the wrongs of local administrations. Just like the ruling power does in Turkey, we are being punished through judicial mechanisms. Lawsuits are filed and investigations are opened against every word we speak. However, they will not be able to achieve their purpose, we will continue to write the truth. What’s important is to be in solidarity with all journalists, especially with Kurdish journalists.”
12.01.2020
mlsaturkey.com