The first hearing of the trial of journalist Zafer Arapkirli, a writer for BirGün and host of the Medyaterapi program, who is charged with “inciting the public to hatred and hostility” and “publicly disseminating misleading information,” was held on January 15 at the Istanbul 23rd Criminal Court of First Instance. The court panel postponed the hearing until February 26 at 1:50 p.m. to prepare the main opinion on the case. The case was opened due to Arapkirli’s X post about attacks on Alevi villages in Syria. In his defense, Arapkirli requested acquittal, stating that the charges should be evaluated within the scope of his journalistic activities.
January 15, 2026
BirGün