The prosecutor has demanded sentencing for Berivan Kutlu, who is on trial over her social media posts about Maraş earthquake. Trial has been adjourned until 1 December

MİZGİN TABU, DİYARBAKIR

The fourth hearing in the trial of journalist Berivan Kutlu on charges of “terrorism propaganda” over social media posts about Maraş earthquake was held at the Diyarbakır 4th High Criminal Court on 16 July 2026.

Resul Temur, Kutlu’s lawyer, was present at the hearing monitored by P24. Kutlu, however, did not attend the hearing.

The prosecutor announcing their final opinion on the case demanded sentencing for Kutlu for the impugned crime.

Temur requested an extension to prepare his defence against the prosecution’s submission.

The court granted his request and adjourned the trial until 1 December 2026.

Background of the case

An indictment was filed against journalist Berivan Kutlu on charges of “terrorism propaganda” as part of an investigation launched on the grounds of her television broadcasts from the region after the earthquake that struck Maras on 6 February 2023. The indictment prepared by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office was sent to Diyarbakır with a decision of lack of jurisdiction.

The indictment cited the following statements made by journalist Berivan Kutlu during the broadcast as grounds for the charges: "Actually, it is not a full-fledged search and rescue operation, but rather an effort to cover up the evidence. The village guards coming from Şırnak are driving people away. They have essentially left people to die."

In an open-source investigation conducted by law enforcement on the internet, some posts made by Kutlu on her social media account were also considered as evidence of the crime.