Court rejects indictment against arrested journalist Merdan Yanardağ

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A court in İstanbul has rejected the indictment prepared against journalist Merdan Yanardağ, who was arrested two weeks ago on charges of "propaganda for a terrorist organization" and "praising criminals."

Yanardağ, the editor-in-chief of TELE1 TV, had criticized the government for not allowing the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Öcalan, to meet with his family and lawyers during a program on the channel in late June.

After the circulation of selectively edited portions of Yanardağ's speech on social media, he was detained and subsequently remanded in custody as part of an investigation.

Yanardağ had told bianet before his detention that his intention was "not to praise Öcalan, but to criticize the government."

Moreover, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) had imposed a one-week broadcast suspension and a monetary fine on TELE1 because of Yanardağ's remarks.

The İstanbul 30th Heavy Penal Court yesterday rejected the prosecutor's indictment. The prosecutor has the right to appeal this decision.

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(NT/VK)