Women Press Freedom welcomes the acquittal of the journalist and artist who spent two unjust years behind bars

Location: Turkiye, Mardin
Date: May 6, 2024

Women Press Freedom is elated that Kurdish journalist and artist Zehra Doğan has finally been acquitted. We have been closely following her case, and we are pleased to announce that she has been declared innocent of all charges related to 'terrorist propaganda' after an eight-year legal battle. The journalist spent two years unjustly in prison following her arrest in 2016. This verdict follows a retrial during which the prosecution admitted the absence of a legal basis for the charges. Women Press Freedom celebrates this decision as it confirms Doğan's innocence once and for all; however, the prolonged legal ordeal shows the urgent necessity for strong safeguards against arbitrary arrests and unjust trials aimed at journalists and activists in Turkiye.  

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After an arduous legal battle spanning eight years, and two years spent in prison, justice has finally been served for Zehra Doğan, a journalist and renowned artist who worked with the pro-Kurdish Jin News Agency (JİNHA), Women Press Freedom announces.

In July 2016, Doğan was arrested under accusations of "membership in a terrorist organization" and "terrorism propaganda." 

One of the focal points of the charges was her artwork inspired by the conflict between the Turkish army and the Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) in Nusaybin during the 2016 State of Emergency. Particularly, a painting reflecting her reaction to a military photograph, alongside an article she wrote detailing a child's experiences during the conflict, were deemed provocative by authorities. Her social media activity during a specific period was also cited as evidence against her.

In December 2016, despite being acquitted of “membership in a terrorist organization,” she was convicted of “terrorism propaganda” and sentenced to nearly three years in prison. 

Despite appeals, her conviction was upheld in June 2017, leading to her incarceration. She served approximately two years in prison before being released.

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled in 2022 that the Turkish state violated her presumption of innocence during her trial, ordering compensation of 1,350 Euros. Then, in October 2023, the Court of Cassation overturned her conviction due to errors in evidence evaluation.

Subsequent changes in legislation facilitated a retrial, which began on May 6, 2024, at the Mardin 2nd Heavy Penal Court. Both the prosecution and Doğan's attorney argued for her acquittal, asserting the absence of legal grounds for the charges. The court ultimately ruled in favor of the acquittal, agreeing with the prosecutor's assessment that the charges did not constitute a criminal offense under current laws.

Beyond her journalism, Zehra Doğan is known for her political artworks that explore the struggles of the Kurdish people and the repression they endure. One of her notable works commemorates Ceylan Önkol, a Kurdish child killed by army artillery fire in 2009. Her art has garnered recognition internationally, with awards from European institutions and exhibitions in prestigious venues like London's Tate Modern.

Zehra Doğan's acquittal is undoubtedly a momentous win, yet it highlights the persistent dangers confronting journalists, especially Kurdish media workers, in Turkiye. Her prolonged legal ordeal and wrongful imprisonment on bogus terrorism charges underscore the urgent need for enhanced safeguards against arbitrary arrest and unfair trials. This shines a spotlight on the systemic targeting of journalists and artists of Kurdish descent by Turkish authorities. 

Women Press Freedom calls on authorities to guarantee the safety and freedom of expression for all journalists and artists, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. We urge the international community to ensure that Turkiye upholds democratic principles and preserves fundamental human rights.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

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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