Turkiye: Court Sentences Journalist Şehriban Alkış to 8 Months

The journalist won't serve jail time, as the court opted to replace the prison sentence with a fine amounting to $174

Location: Turkiye, Istanbul
Date: November 14, 2023

Istanbul’s 23rd Criminal Court of First Instance imposed fines and prison sentences on journalist Şehriban Alkış, along with six other women activists. The case stems from a July 7, 2020, incident where Alkış was covering a protest defending the Istanbul Convention. The journalist is not required to serve prison time, as the court commuted the prison sentence to a fine of $174. The Coalition For Women In Journalism supports Şehriban Alkış and appreciates the court's choice to convert the prison sentence into a fine. However, we maintain that the journalist should not have faced charges or a conviction in the first place. We call on the Istanbul High Criminal Court to overturn the unjust sentencing of Şehriban Alkış.

On July 7, 2020, at the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Family and Labor Social Services, activists advocated for the Istanbul Convention — a human rights treaty by the Council of Europe aimed at combating domestic violence and violence against women — and displayed a banner stating, "Enough is Enough, Women Want Life Assurance." Journalist Şehriban Alkış was on assignment, covering the demonstration. The situation escalated as police used excessive force, leading to charges laid against Alkış and six activists for "resisting the performance of duty," "obstructing the activities of a public institution," and "damaging public property."

During the trial, Prosecutor Mehtap Çolak Şal called for acquittals on several charges, citing insufficient evidence. However, the charge of "resisting" was sustained. Defense arguments highlighted a lack of public activities in the area during the incident and the aggressive actions of plainclothes police officers.

Alkış, defending her role as a journalist at the protest, criticized her classification as a defendant instead of a witness, underscoring a journalist's duty to report societal events. Defendants and their lawyers argued against the accusations, emphasizing the peaceful nature of their protest and alleging mistreatment, including sexual violence and torture, by police.

In its decision, the court acquitted the defendants on charges of "opposition to Law No. 2911", "obstructing the activities of a public institution," and "damaging public property." However, it found them guilty of "resisting the performance of duty." The court handed down a sentence of 8 months and 10 days in prison to five defendants, including Alkış, but commuted their sentences to a fine of 5,000 Turkish Lira each, equivalent to $174. It deferred the announcement of the verdict for two of the defendants.

Violations against journalists in Turkey are frequent and alarming. Women journalists are arbitrarily detained, harassed with lawsuits, and imprisoned for criticizing the state. The Erdogan government has shown complete disregard for press freedom and continues to exert control over state media outlets.

This verdict raises critical questions about the balance between civil liberties and law enforcement in Turkey. The case highlights the ongoing struggles for freedom of expression and fair treatment of journalists, women, and LGBTQI people within the legal system. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism calls upon the Istanbul High Criminal Court to reverse the unfair sentencing of Şehriban Alkış. While she is exempt from jail time, the repercussions of this ruling significantly undermine her capacity to function as a journalist. Addressing this miscarriage of justice is crucial. The court must end the persecution of Şehriban Alkış and ensure her freedom to pursue her journalistic duties.

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.

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