The court has ruled on the case in Ataklı's absence and sentenced the journalist to 10 months in prison. The sentence has been suspended

CANSU PİŞKİN, İSTANBUL

The third hearing in the trial of journalist Can Ataklı on the charge of “inciting the public to hatred and enmity” over his criticism of the statements made by the father of a soldier who lost his life in the clash during the “Operation Claw-Kilit” region was held on 10 October 2024 at the İstanbul 5th Criminal Court of First Instance.

Ataklı did not attend the hearing whereas his lawyer was present in court. P24 monitored the hearing.

Ataklı's lawyer stated that his client could not attend the hearing due to health problems and demanded acquittal, stating that the elements of the crime did not form.

The lawyer for the co-plaintiff Memur-Sen, a union for civil servant, said, “The defendant's failure to attend the hearing is for the purpose of prolonging the case. We demand that an arrest warrant be issued for the defendant, his statement be taken between the hearings and a decision be made in the next hearing.”

The lawyer of the co-plaintiff Türkiye Devletleri Şehit Yakınları ve Gaziler Vakfı (Martyrs' Relatives and Veterans Foundation of Turkey) said, “We are of the opinion that the defendant constantly humiliates people who do not share his views in society and has made this a habit. We request the court to issue an arrest warrant for the defendant and that to punish him.”

The lawyer of the Ministry of Family and Social Services also demanded that Ataklı be punished.

Ataklı's lawyer took the floor again and said, “We do not accept the allegations aimed at prolonging the case. We have submitted documents about his health problems to the court. The client himself announced yesterday on his social media accounts that he could not continue his programs due to health problems.”

The prosecutor repeated their final opinion on the case they presented in the previous hearing and demanded Ataklı be sentenced for the impugned crime.

Ataklı's lawyer said, “We do not agree with the opinion. Our client's actions are within the scope of freedom of expression and the elements of the crime did not form. We request a decision to be made in the next hearing for the client to be heard.”

The court ruled in Ataklı's absence and sentenced the journalist to 10 months in prison for the impugned crime. The sentence was suspended.