Informer Convicted of Slander, Trial of Journalist Still Continues
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Charged with "insulting the President", Contemporary Journalists' Association (ÇGD) Mediterranean Branch Chair and Managing Editor of local daily Antalya Körfez Engin Korkmaz had his second hearing at the Antalya 19th Penal Court of First Instance yesterday (March 11).
Aftering sharing his views on July 15 coup attempt on social media, Korkmaz was faced with an investigation upon the tip of an informer on May 14, 2019. He had his first hearing in the ensuing lawsuit on November 20, 2019.
The person who accused the journalist of "being a member of the FETÖ", which is held responsible for the attempted coup in 2016, was convicted of "slander" as part of the investigation. Afterwards, another investigation was launched against Korkmaz over his social media posts.
Making defense in his second hearing at the Antalya Penal Court of First Instance, Korkmaz said, "My posts are within the scope of freedom of expression. I am a journalist and I am responsible for informing the public."
Requesting his acquittal, the journalist also requested extra time from the court board so that he can present the precedent rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) to the court.
The court has accepted the request of Engin Korkmaz. The next hearing will be held on September 9, 2020.
Turkish Penal Code (TCK) Article 299Insulting the President of the Republic (2) (Amended on 29/6/2005 – By Article 35 of the Law no. 5377) Where the offence is committed in public, the sentence to be imposed shall be increased by one sixth. (3) The initiation of a prosecution for such offence shall be subject to the permission of the Minister of Justice. |
(HA/SD)