Turkiye: Veteran Journalist Elif Akkuş Released From Prison
In October Akkuş was taken from hospital to courtroom amidst reports of enforced sedation and stringent security measures
Location: Turkiye, Ankara
Date: October 20, 2023
Updated: November 16, 2023
Renowned reporter Elif Akkuş —— who was unjustly dismissed from TRT last April after 25 years of service — was arrested October 20 on charges related to an anonymous Twitter account critical of the state broadcaster. After almost a month of detention, Ankara court ordered her release on November 15, 2023. The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes her release but is incredibly concerned with the authorities’ handling of the journalist and the bogus charges brought against her. All charges against the reporter must be dropped.
On October 20, after being prematurely discharged from the hospital and arriving at court on a stretcher, veteran war correspondent Elif Akkuş was charged by an Ankara judge, arrested, and sent to prison.
After almost a month spent behind bars in Sincan Women's Closed Prison, on November 15 Akkuş was released by the Ankara Criminal Court of First Instance on Duty.
Elif Akkuş was arrested on the grounds of posts made on an anonymous Twitter account regarding nepotism in TRT and misuse of public resources. The journalist is accused of illegally leaking information to a social media account that shared posts about financial irregularities at state broadcaster TRT. Akkuş had worked for the station for 25 years before her unjust dismissal in April 2023. She is also facing charges of blackmail and defamation.
The veteran journalist was detained the evening before her arrest on October 19 and was taken to hospital after falling ill. Her lawyer, Ersöz, revealed that Akkuş had voluntarily surrendered after learning about the arrest warrant against her.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initially informed the hospital of the termination of the detention order but requested that her medical treatment continue until her discharge. After her release, the hospital was instructed to notify the Public Security Branch Directorate to facilitate her transfer to the courthouse.
Journalist Elif Akkuş being taken to Ankara courthouse from hospital, October 20, 2023
Stringent measures were taken to prevent her escape. Akkuş's lawyer, Hüseyin Ersöz alleged that a security guard had been stationed outside Akkuş's hospital room. The lawyer also claimed that the journalist had been administered an unusually high dose of sedatives, blood pressure reducers, and painkillers to expedite her discharge. Despite her poor condition, Akkuş attended the hearing on a stretcher and reportedly fell ill during proceedings.
Akkuş’ case raises questions about public broadcaster TRT's independence from government influence. Changes in TRT's leadership have raised concerns about its autonomy, with government-affiliated figures taking prominent roles. The International Press Institute has expressed worries about these appointments and called for the restoration of TRT's autonomous structure.
Akkuş’ lawyer, Ersöz, argues that the journalist’s arrest violates the law, as no supporting evidence links her to posts by the anonymous Twitter account. Both Akkuş and her legal representative deny any involvement in sharing the allegations, which revolved around nepotism and misuse of public resources within TRT. They intend to appeal against this decision.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is alarmed by the arrest of Elif Akkuş. After years of service for TRT, including reporting from conflict zones, the journalist faces prison on baseless charges. This case must be dismissed.
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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