The international travel ban on Gök, who is on trial for “membership in a terrorist organization,” has been in effect since 5 December 2023

ARDIL BATMAZ, DİYARBAKIR

The 10th hearing in the trial of Mezopotamya Agency editor Abdurrahman Gök, who is charged with “membership in a terrorist organization” and “terrorism propaganda” was held at the Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court on 26 February 2025.

Gök and his lawyers were present at the hearing, which was monitored by P24. The Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG) and the Human Rights Association (İHD) also observed the hearing.

Gök repeated his previous statements. Following Gök, defense lawyer Mehmet Emin Aktar pointed out that the ongoing ban on his client leaving the country had turned into a method of punishment. Lawyer Resul Temur also agreed with his colleague's statements and requested that Gök's ban on leaving the country be lifted.

The court decided to lift the ongoing ban on Gök traveling abroad. The trial was postponed until 16 June 2026.

Background of the case

Journalist Abdurrahman Gök, who was arrested during house raids on 25 April 2023, as part of an investigation based in Diyarbakır, was imprisoned pending trial on charges of “membership in a terrorist organization.”

In the indictment filed by the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Gök's news articles published by the Mezopotamya Agency, his social media posts, book reviews, some books in his library, social security records showing that his insurance was paid by the Mezopotamya Agency, and his telephone conversations with journalists were cited as evidence for the charges.

Gök was released pending trial at the second hearing on 5 December 2023, but a ban on leaving the country was imposed on him.