Attacker of Hakkari Journalist Imprisoned

Necip Capraz is the licence holder of the Hakkari Yüksekova News newspaper, and a reporter for the Anatolia Agency (AA). Two years ago, he was attacked and seriously injured by people wearing masks.

Both sides will appeal 

Capraz has now won the case against suspect Müslim Bartin, who has been sentenced to 5 months 25 days imprisonment and 2 years probation.
However, both the journalist and Bartin have appealed against the decision, the former arguing that the punishment is too light, the latter protesting his innocence.

The case was heard at the Yüksekova Civil Court of First Instance, and the decision was reached on 17 December. The journalist was informed recently of the decision.

Müslim Batin had been sentenced to one year and two months imprisonment for being one of Capraz's attackers on 22 September 2005. However, the court decided to reduce the sentence to five months 25 days; Nihat Bartin was acquitted of being part of the assault.

Capraz was severely injured by the attack and suffered fractures. He has announced that he will appeal against the low sentence.

The attack had been condemned by the Turkish Journalists' Society (TGC).

Recent spate of attacks on journalists 

In the last two months, at least five journalists have been victims of attacks. On 5 November, Andreas Rombopulos, the Turkey correspondent of the Greek Mega TV channel and the editor-in-chief of Iho newspaper, was attacked by two persons unknown.

On 7 November, Sabah newspaper's sports reporter Deniz Derinsu and photo reporter Oguz Yörük were followed by fans from a Fenerbahce-PSV match in Istanbul and attacked with knives.

On 22 December, Lig TV cameramen Ümit Kül and Ali Demir were exposed to police violence at a football match between Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor in Istanbul. (EÖ/TK/AG)