Turkey: Journalist Derya Okatan's Trial Has Been Postponed Yet Again
Location: Turkey, Ankara
Date: October 13, 2021Available in: 🇹🇷 Türkçe
The first hearing of the trial against journalist Derya Okatan over the charges of "spreading propaganda for an organization in a chain" was held today. The court decided to issue a writ to inquire about the merger of already ongoing cases against Derya. The next hearing will be held on January 26, 2022.
The hearing was started five hours later than planned. The news shared on the social media accounts of Etkin News Agency (ETHA), for which she was the responsible editor-in-chief at that time, was considered a criminal element. These accusations include the reports regarding the developments and criticism against the "Operation Olive Branch" launched by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in Afrin in 2018. Derya defended herself saying that she did not share the aforementioned social media posts on her personal account and they should be considered within the scope of freedom of the press.
In her defense, Okatan said “Journalism is a public duty. It cannot be used as an instrument for the policies, purposes, and interests of any political party, group, person or institution. Journalists cannot be forced into this.” Stating that she always adhered to the principles of journalism, the journalist demanded her acquittal.
The court decided to issue a writ to Istanbul 29th High Criminal Court to inquire about the merger of already ongoing cases against Derya. The next hearing will be held on January 26, 2022.
The journalist was detained in Ankara on February 21, 2019, after the police raided her house as part of the investigation. Derya, who was detained after an interview with university student Merve Demirel, was harassed by a police officer during a demonstration in Ankara on February 16, 2019. Derya was released the same day after her statement was taken.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the lawsuit filed against Derya Okatan for her journalistic coverages. Journalism has a fundamental duty to inform the public. We remind the Turkish judiciary that journalism is not a crime, and demand an immediate acquittal of the journalist.
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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.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.