The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office decided not to pursue charges in response to a criminal complaint filed by the Human Rights Association (İHD) against companies selling T-shirts bearing the words “Beyaz Toros” and “JİTEM.” In its decision, the prosecutor’s office stated that there were no elements of a crime under Articles 215 and 216 of the Turkish Criminal Code, citing “freedom of expression” as the reason.
The decision cited European Court of Human Rights case law, arguing that “even disturbing or shocking expressions fall within the scope of freedom of expression.” The İHD, however, stated that this decision was a new example of a policy of impunity and announced that it would pursue domestic legal remedies.
November 7, 2025
NuMedya24