Former News Agency Intelligence Chief Aydemir Acquitted in First Hearing

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Arrested for using encrypted communication software ByLock, which is allegedly used by the “Fethullahist Terrorist Organization”, former İhlas News Agency Chief of Intelligence Ömer Faruk Aydemir has been acquitted in the first hearing.

According to a report by Sözcü, Aydemir appeared before judge today (January 5) at İstanbul 36th Heavy Penal Court. The chief judge said that Aydemir was directed to application servers such as “Mor Beyin” (Purple Brain) and as a result, Aydemir’s ByLock IP was seen there.

In his statement of defense, Aydemir said that “I definitely didn’t download ByLock or used it. I learned that my yellow press card was cancelled on allegation that I used ByLock. I immediately applied to the prosecutor’s office and asked for my cell phone to be investigated”.

The prosecutor demanded Aydemir’s acquittal as well.

The court ruled acquittal of Aydemir and lifted the international travel ban on Aydemir.

The court committee also reminded Aydemir that he has the right to sue for damages.

What happened?

ByLock is an encrypted communication software allegedly used by the “Fethullahist Terrorist Organization/Parallel State Organization (FETÖ/PDY)”. ByLock has been presented as evidence for “illegal organization membership” in investigations and trials of “FETÖ/PDY”

A large number of people have been detained and arrested for using ByLock.

Ömer Faruk Aydemir was arrested for using ByLock on August 16, 2017 at İstanbul Criminal Judgeship of Peace on charge of “being a member of an illegal organization”.

Aydemir, who faced from 7.5 to 15 years in prison, was released on December 28, 2017. (EA/TK)

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