In an indictment charging journalist Elif Bayburt with “membership in an armed terrorist organization,” her journalistic activities and the hearings and events she attended were cited as evidence. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office relied on Bayburt’s attendance at a hearing, her leaving the DEM Party Kadıköy district office with a group, her participation in commemorations and her taking photographs and videos at demonstrations as grounds for the charge. Prosecutors also linked Bayburt’s work for Etkin News Agency and the agency’s reports to the allegation of organization membership. Bayburt, who was detained and arrested on 3 February, was scheduled to appear before Istanbul 24th High Criminal Court on 17 September.
7 September 2026
MLSA