Turkey: CFWIJ Demands Journalist Sedef Kabaş's Acquittal Immediately
Location: Turkey, Istanbul
Date: February 26, 2021Available in: 🇹🇷 Türkçe
The fourth hearing of the trial against journalist Sedef Kabaş and 38 people on charges of "damaging the economy" was held in Istanbul today. The court decided to wait for the expert reports. The next hearing was postponed to June 4, 2021. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) condemns the trials against journalists where unjust reasons are defined as accusations. We reiterate that journalism is not a crime. We demand all the prosecuted journalists’ acquittal immediately.
The fourth hearing of the trial against 38 people including journalists Sedef Kabaş, Merdan Yanardağ, Mustafa Sönmez and Bloomberg economy reporters Fercan Yalınkılıç, Kerim Karakaya on the allegation of "economic coup attempt" was held today at the Istanbul 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance. In the previous hearing, the file prepared for each defendant to determine whether "provided benefits" according to Article 107 of the Free Market Law was sent to the expert. Following today's requests, the court decided to wait for the expert reports. The next hearing will take place on June 4, 2021.
On August 10, 2018, the news titled "Turkish bank crisis prompts emergency meeting on Saturday" by Fercan Yalınkılıç and Kerim Karakaya revealed in Bloomberg. The story was brought to the agenda that the Turkish lira depreciated against the dollar. After the news, the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) filed a lawsuit against the reporters who wrote the news and 38 people who shared it from their Twitter account. The indictment was prepared after BRSA's complaint accusing reporters of "undermining the stability of Turkey's economy". The news was stated that after the rise in the dollar, banks did not meet their foreign exchange demands. It was declared that those who demand foreign currency can do so for the next business day, and the BRSA will hold an urgent meeting with the top executives of the banks at the weekend.
Six journalists, including Sedef Kabaş, face two to five years sentences in prison on charges of "violating the Capital Law". Also, judicial fines of up to five thousand days are demanded against journalists.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism documented 30 women journalists in Turkey who face legal persecution only in February. The journalists are constantly being prosecuted with unjust accusations. The hearings of the cases are constantly postponed on arbitrary excuses. We consider that these initiatives against journalists are implemented within the scope of intimidation and silencing policies. We call once again Turkish state to respect press freedom and dismiss all lawsuits against journalists. Journalism is not a crime.
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The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world, and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
Follow us on Instagram @womeninjournalism and Twitter @CFWIJ. Our website is WomenInJournalism.org and we can be reached at press@womeninjournalism.org
The Coalition For Women In Journalism closely monitors the incidents in Turkey with great concern. Since March 8, Women's Day, police violence against women journalists increasingly continues in the country. As the coalition, we urge the Turkish state to provide a free environment for journalists. Following the news is our most fundamental democratic right to report. We demand the immediate release of our detained colleagues. Journalism is not a crime. Journalism cannot be prevented.
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