Koyun, who was imprisoned pending trial last February on charges of “membership in a terrorist organization,” has been released after 164 days in detention

EYLEM NAZLIER, ISTANBUL

The second hearing in the trial of Müslüm Koyun, a reporter for the Etkin News Agency (ETHA), on charges of “membership in a terrorist organization” was held at the Istanbul 22nd High Criminal Court on 16 July 2026.

During the hearing, a man named Mustafa T. was heard as a witness. Mustafa T. stated that he had been forced to sign a statement during the investigation without knowing its contents, and that he did not accept the statement in question.

Journalist Müslüm Koyun, noting that he had been in custody since February, requested his release.

The court, which ruled in favor of Koyun’s release, adjourned the case until 27 October 2026.

Meanwhile, the area around the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan has been cordoned off with barriers, restricting access. Due to the restrictions, which have been in place since the start of the week, the courthouse is closed to the public and to journalists without a turquoise press card. When we asked a security officer for the reason behind the measures, he replied, “There is an important trial; security measures have been put in place.” When we asked which trial the measures related to, he said he could not provide any information.

Background of the case

Koyun was detained on 3 February 2026 as part of an Istanbul-based operation targeting the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP), and was subsequently sent to pre-trial detention on 6 February. The indictment, which cites Koyun’s professional activities as grounds for the charges, was drawn up at the beginning of June, during the fourth month of his detention.

During the first hearing held on 18 June, Koyun, presenting his defence, stated, “The document presented as the indictment is a political manifesto. The prosecution has simply turned the news reports reflecting the views of the fascist regime into an indictment.”