‘List’ Obstacle Against Some Journalists Following July 15 Coup Attempt Hearing

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Some journalists haven’t been allowed to attend the July 15 coup attempt hearing in which 29 police officers are being tried by İstanbul 22nd Heavy Penal Court in Silivri.

The 29 police officers are being charged with “being member of Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ)” for participating in July 15 coup attempt and not complying with the instructions of Security General Directorate.

A large number of journalists came to Silivri to attend the hearing, which is tried by İstanbul 22nd Heavy Penal Court, according to Evrensel daily. However, journalists coming to the hearing met with a list about how many journalists can follow the trial.

While media organs such as CNN Türk, pro-government Akit TV,  state channel TRT, state agency Anadolu Agency (AA) included on the list could enter the hearing, journalists from opposition media organs such as Evrensel daily, BirGün daily, Özgürlükçü Demokrasi daily weren’t let inside.

Noting that reserve names on the list could be permitted to enter the hearing in case the 20-person quota is not filled, gendarmeries stated that these figures could only be “non-dangerous journalists”.

The indictment states that President, Prime Minister and higher-ranking state officers called for resistance against the coup attempt, yet, the defendant police officers didn’t abide by the call or tried to dissuade their friends and citizens, who were resisting against the coup attempt. (EA/TK)