Turkiye: Elif Akgül Acquitted of Terrorist Propaganda Charges
Women Press Freedom welcomes court decision, demands authorities cease targeting press with bogus terrorism charges
Location: Turkiye, Istanbul
Date: June 27, 2024
Journalist Elif Akgül, former editor at Bianet, has been acquitted of terrorism propaganda charges related to her tweets. The court ruled that Akgül’s comments were protected under freedom of expression, rejecting the prosecution’s request for punishment. By upholding Akgül's right to voice concerns about military operations and alleged human rights violations, this decision reinforces constitutional protections for free speech. While this victory is significant, it highlights the ongoing issue of legal harassment against journalists in Turkey. The practice of using false terrorism charges to silence critics must stop. However, Women Press Freedom commends the court’s ruling and hopes it sets a positive precedent for other journalists facing similar unjust charges.
WPF welcomes the judgment of the Fair Work Commission that found that broadcaster Antoinette Lattouf was fired by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) following a social media post by Lattouf sharing a Human Rights Watch claim about Israel's actions in Gaza.
WPF is deeply concerned for the safety of press workers in Georgia following the disputed elections marred by violence, allegations of vote rigging, and claims of electoral misconduct. Throughout election day, journalists reporting at polling stations faced assaults, intimidation, and obstruction, highlighting the growing dangers for independent media covering politically sensitive events in the country
Women Press Freedom stands resolutely in solidarity with Arzu Yıldız, an investigative journalist from Turkiye forced into exile after facing persistent threats and persecution for her work. Yıldız's experience is emblematic of the broader crackdown on press freedom under President Tayyip Erdoğan's regime, where dissent is aggressively stifled. We unequivocally condemn the targeting and persecution of journalists by President Tayyip Erdoğan's government.
On June 27, 2024, Elif Akgül stood trial on bogus terrorism charges at Istanbul's 13th Heavy Penal Court. The charges stemmed from two tweets she posted in 2018 and 2022, which the prosecution claimed constituted "terrorist organization propaganda." The first tweet commented on a Turkish military operation in Syria, and the second raised concerns about the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Turkish Armed Forces in Northern Iraq
Despite the prosecution's push for a conviction, Akgül and her defense team argued that her posts were protected by freedom of expression. They cited the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the Turkish Constitutional Court, emphasizing that her critique of the Turkish military and use of the term "guerrilla" were within her rights.
In her final statement, Akgül declared, “Speaking against war and demanding peace is my constitutional right. I am asking you to render a verdict that looks out for the constitutional rights of the citizens of the Republic of Turkey.”
After a brief recess, the court acquitted Akgül, stating that the legal elements of the crime were not present and her comments fell within the bounds of freedom of expression.
Women Press Freedom welcomes the court’s decision. The acquittal of Elif Akgül reaffirms the principles of freedom of expression and press freedom, highlighting the judiciary's role in protecting these fundamental rights. This ruling is particularly significant given the increasing pressures and risks faced by journalists in the country. By recognizing that Akgül's tweets were a legitimate exercise of her right to free speech, the court has set an important precedent that may provide some protection for other journalists facing similar accusations. However, this victory should not overshadow the persistent and pervasive issue of legal harassment against journalists in Turkey. The use of bogus terrorism charges to silence critical voices must end. This ruling, though positive, underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure that journalists can work without fear of unjust prosecution. Women Press Freedom demands that Turkish authorities cease their practice of targeting the press with baseless terrorism charges and uphold their commitment to protecting freedom of speech and the press.
Women Press Freedom stands resolutely in solidarity with Arzu Yıldız, an investigative journalist from Turkiye forced into exile after facing persistent threats and persecution for her work. Yıldız's experience is emblematic of the broader crackdown on press freedom under President Tayyip Erdoğan's regime, where dissent is aggressively stifled. We unequivocally condemn the targeting and persecution of journalists by President Tayyip Erdoğan's government.
WPF vehemently condemns the Turkish drone strike on a media vehicle in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, killing journalists Gulistan Tara and Hêro Bahadîn and injuring multiple others. Journalists covering conflict in the region have been repeatedly hit with Turkish strikes, resulting in multiple deaths. Deliberately targeting press in a conflict zone is a war crime
WPF welcomes the long-overdue release of journalist Derya Ren, who was wrongfully imprisoned on baseless terrorism charges.
WPF condemns the detention of journalist and media personality Gönül Yılman Saygan at İzmir Airport.
WPF condemns this attack and calls for an immediate and thorough investigation by Iraqi and Turkish authorities to find out why the Çira TV vehicle was targeted.
WPF is appalled by the decision of the Ankara court to convict eight journalists, including four women journalists, from the Kurdish news outlet Mezopotamya Agency.
Journalist Elif Akgül, former editor at Bianet, has been acquitted of terrorism propaganda charges related to her tweets.
WPF vehemently condemns the ongoing harassment and intimidation by Turkish authorities against Sevinç Özarslan, a Turkish journalist forced into exile in Germany.
WPF firmly condemns the baseless charges against Esra Solin Dal and her two journalist colleagues, who are being accused of "membership in a terrorist organization" due to their alleged ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
WPF is outraged that media outlet Demirören News Agency (DHA) pressured reporter Rojda Altıntaş not to publish a story, about a car accident involving the 17-year-old son of writer Eylem Tok, by people connected to DHA's powerful owners, Demirören Holding.
Five journalists affiliated with Özgürlükçü Demokrasi (Liberal Democracy) have been sentenced to prison, with former editors Hicran Ürün and Reyhan Hacıoğlu receiving three years and 45 days respectively, WPF worryingly documents.
WPF organization vehemently condemns the recent ruling by the Anadolu 9th Civil Court of First Instance, which ordered journalists Yasemin Çongar, Mehmet Baransu, Ahmet Altan, and Yıldıray Oğur to pay damages to retired General Çetin Doğan.
WPF is elated that Kurdish journalist and artist Zehra Doğan has finally been acquitted.
WPF strongly condemns the unjust charges against Derya Us and Nurcan Yalçın who were arrested by police for allegedly belonging to a terrorist organization.
Yet again, authorities have thrown Elif Akkuş behind bars, this time awaiting trial under accusations of evidence tampering, allegedly tied to her expenditure during coverage of conflicts in Libya and Syria while working for state-run broadcaster TRT.
WPF expresses deep concern over the actions of Turkish authorities during the May Day march in Istanbul's Saraçhane district.
WPF vehemently condemns the repeated and unfounded accusations against journalist Zeynep Kuray by Turkish authorities.
WPF strongly condemns the police raid following Kurdish Journalists' Day targeting journalists from Kurdish news outlets across Turkiye.
WPF condemns the prosecutor's decision to pursue charges against journalist Asena Tunca for allegedly "opposing the law on meetings and demonstrations" following her violent detention by law enforcement while covering a protest against the government's handling of the February 2024 earthquakes.
WPF condemns the investigation into Duygu Kıt for her coverage of opposition to a quarry construction close to a fatal mine collapse in İliç, Erzincan.
WPF expresses profound dismay at the relentless pursuit of journalist Ayşe Kara by the Diyarbakır prosecutor, who has gone to unjustifiable lengths to harass her.
WPF celebrates the release of Dilan Oyunş after an unjust seven-year imprisonment on spurious terrorism charges.
WPF condemns the threats and violence Medine Mamedoğlu endured as a direct consequence of her exposing police brutality during protests in Van.
WPF stands unwaveringly with Perihan Kaya, an exiled journalist facing retrial in Turkiye on unfounded terrorism charges.
WPF views the lawsuit by Deputy Ali İhsan Arslan of the ruling AKP party against İleri Haber journalists İzel Sezer and Doğan Ergün as an attempt to stifle critical journalism, and we call for the case to be dismissed.
Rojin Akın has been finally vindicated of “membership of a terrorist organization” charges.
WPF firmly condemns the recent assaults, intimidation, and detentions of journalists in Turkiye, as they covered the protests against the electoral authorities' decision to block a pro-Kurdish mayor-elect in Van despite his election victory.
WPF persistently monitored the electoral process during the local elections and noted multiple instances of infringements. We condemn acts of violence and restrictions, including against Ece Üner, who was threatened with death.
Women Press Freedom is deeply troubled by Elif Akgül facing a potential 13.5 years behind bars over two tweets in 2018 and 2022, respectively.
Women Press Freedom welcomes the decision by the Istanbul prosecutor to drop the investigation against Artı TV journalist Şükran Ekinci.
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