The Media and Law Studies Association has published its observation report on 147 hearings of 98 cases within the scope of journalism and freedom of expression, which it followed between January 1st and July 15th. In cases where a total of 562 defendants were tried, 58% of the charges were terrorism-related. Apart from that, the defendants were mostly charged with “insulting the President”. 64% of the evidence shown in the cases was related to journalistic activities. While the statements of those accused, witnesses or complainants were put forward as evidence in 20 cases, activities of associations were presented as evidence of crime in 6 cases. In short, accusations of “terrorism” against journalists, activists and politicians continue to increase. This is followed by “insulting Erdogan” with 6% of the total charges imposed on the defendants, “violation of privacy” with 5% and “crimes against public peace” with 4%. 24 of the cases were concluded, 12 people were convicted, 28 people were acquitted. While the report revealed that the charges against the defendants did not change compared to the previous monitoring period, violations of the right to a fair trial and the principle of publicity of the proceedings continued in the hearings. In addition, observers noted that they suspected that the witnesses were fake in 3 hearings.
Please click here for the full report.
06.10.2021
mlsaturkey.com