Actors Gezen, Akpınar acquitted of ‘insulting the President’

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Charged with "insulting the President" over their remarks during a TV program, Müjdat Gezen and Metin Akpınar had their third hearing at the İstanbul Anadolu 8th Penal Court of First Instance today (March 1).

While they were both facing 1 year, 2 months to 4 years, 8 months in prison on the offense charged, they have been acquitted at today's hearing.

Before the court board announced its ruling, the attorneys of the defendants requested the acquittal of their clients Gezen and Akpınar. The attorney of President and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that their complaint was still valid.

Handing down its ruling, the court has ruled for the acquittal of Gezen and Akpınar as the material elements of the crime were not constituted.

What happened?

The İstanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation against actors Müjdat Gezen and Metin Akpınar over their remarks during the "Halk Arenası" (People's Arena) program, which they attended as guests on December 21, 2018.

Taken to the Anadolu Courthouse in company of the police as part of the investigation, Gezen and Akpınar were referred to the Anadolu 3rd Penal Judgeship of Peace. The judgeship released the two on probation.

The judicial control measures on Gezen and Akpınar stipulating them to go to a police station and give signatures once a week and barring them from going abroad were lifted upon the decision of the prosecutor's office.

A lawsuit was then filed against them, demanding up to 4 years, 8 months in prison each on charge of "insulting the president publicly." (HA/SD)