Former CHP MP Eren Erdem Released

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Eren Erdem, an imprisoned Party Assembly member and former MP for the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), has been released in today's hearing at the İstanbul 23rd Heavy Penal Court (January 7).

Erdem attended the hearing that was held in the İstanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS). Four other defendants out of 12, one of whom was arrested, also attended the hearing.

After the witnesses gave their accounts, the Prosecutor's Office gave its opinion as to the accusations, the Cumhuriyet reported.

In the indictment, prison sentence from 8.5 years to 19 years was demanded for Erdem for "helping a terrorist organization albeit not being a member of the organization" and "violation of the privacy."

After the defendant attorneys gave their defense as to the accusations, the court has ruled that Erdem shall be released on condition of judicial control.

CHP Deputy Chair and Spokesperson Faik Öztrak commented on the release, saying, "The arrest of our Party Assembly member Eren Erdem has ended, but the case still continues. Frankly, he is being tried for a reason that is well known by the public but we expect this sham trial to collapse as other sham trials."

What happened?

A lawsuit has been filed against Eren Erdem because of the works that he did as the Editor-in-Chief of the Karşı newspaper.

Erdem faces 9.5 to 12 years in prison for the offenses of "Intentionally and willingly helping the armed terrorist organization while not being included in its hierarchical structure", "disclosing an anonymous witness," and "violating the privacy of the investigation."

After the indictment was accepted by the court, Eren Erdem went to İstanbul Atatürk Airport on May 21, 2018 but was not able to depart because of the international travel ban imposed on him.

Erdem was arrested on June 29, 2018 and is still held in the Silivri Prison.

The case continued today at the İstanbul 23rd Heavy Penal Court.

What is Erdem charged with?

In the indictment which was filed by the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it is said that then MP Eren Erdem made statements on an anonymous witness nicknamed "Ayçiçeği" (sunflower) in the Karşı newspaper case and those statements were published on Zaman newspaper and Aktif Haber news website, both of which are shut. It is also alleged in the indictment that Erdem disclosed the anonymous witness for a second time and the Prosecutor's Office filed a criminal complaint against him.

According to indictment, "Owner of Karşı newspaper Turan Ababey and Eren Erdem met during Gezi Park incidents. They decided to found the newspaper in October 2013. The newspaper, which was founded on February 9, 2014, ended publication after 66 days due to economic difficulties."

Erdem is charged with "Trying to make the government incapable of doing its duty by creating a perception of public opinion using press and broadcast organs." (AS/VK)