Non-Prosecution for Beyaz, 5 Years Prison Demanded for Teacher, Programme Supervisor
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The investigation launched into moderator Beyazıt Öztürk and the programme supervisor Kadir Turnalı on charge of “propagandizing for the terrorist organization” over teacher Ayşe Çelik going live on the TV programme Beyaz Show on January 8 saying; “Children are dying, don’t remain silent”.
The court has decided not to prosecute further for Beyazıt Öztürk and an indictment demanding five years in prison for teacher Çelik, and programme supervisor Turnalı has been prepared.
Within the investigation run by Bakırköy Public Chief Prosecutor İdris Kurt, the manners of Beyaz have been evaluated by behavioral science expert Yücel Sözer.
Behavioral science expert report for Beyaz
In decision for non-prosecution, it has been noted that the expert report has determined that Öztürk had first been surprised, then has tried to understand the guest speaking on telephone, became sad over what he has heard and later on tried to keep the process under control.
Based on the report, a decision of non-prosecution for Beyaz has been issued on grounds that Öztürk has not reckoned that the guest on the phone would go beyond the agreed extent of the conversation and therefore lost control of the programme.
Prosecutor İdris Kurt had also launched an investigation into 30 persons who had denounced themselves before İstanbul Bakırköy Court with the slogan “We are all teacher Ayşe to support teacher Ayşe Çelik.
What had happened?
A viewer saying her name was Ayşe Çelik and she was a teacher joining the program by phone broadcasted on January 8 had said, "Children are dying, don't remain silent".
The viewer continued as "Are you aware of what is happening in Turkey's Southeast? Unborn children, mothers, people get killed here. The things happening here are reflected very differently in the media. Don't remain silent... See, hear and lend us a hand now. Shame; don't let people die, don't let children die, may mothers don't cry."
Host of the program, Beyazıt Öztürk had people applaud for her by saying "We are trying our best to make it heard. Your words have become a lesson for us. We will continue to do more. Hopefully your peace wishes will be actualized as soon as possible".
Following the incident, Diyarbakır Chief Prosecution has launched investigation into Ayşe Çelik for "terror propaganda", and that Bakırköy Chief Prosecution has launched investigation into Beyazıt Öztürk and Ayşe Çelik over "terror propaganda".