The first hearing of the lawsuit filed against journalist Mehmet Güleş on the allegation of “spreading terrorist organization propaganda” through his virtual media posts was held at Diyarbakır 4th High Criminal Court. Journalist Güleş and his lawyer Resul Temur were present at the hearing. Güleş, who made his defense in the hearing that started with identification, pointed out that all of his posts were news published by Mezopotamya Agency (MA), where he works. Güleş stated that his posts were not a crime.  

 

Lawyer Resul Temur then took the floor and pointed out that Güleş's posts were within the scope of journalistic activity. Temur said that his client is being tried for circulating news he made himself, and noted that the agency Güleş works for continues its legal activities. Stating that posts made for spreading news cannot be a crime, Temur said that the posts were not calls for violence. Temur stated that his client Güleş's posts cannot be made the subject of an accusation and asked for a verdict of acquittal for his client. 

 

ACQUITTED

 

The prosecution then announced its final opinion and demanded Güleş to be sentenced. Güleş made an additional defense after the closing statement, saying “Journalism is not a crime” and demanded his acquittal. Temur, too, stated that the prosecution's demand was not in line with the merits and demanded his client's acquittal. 

 

The court announced its verdict after a recess and acquitted Güleş.