Journalist covering Çorlu train massacre case acquitted

Click to read the article in Turkish

Journalist Rıfat Doğan, also a former reporter from Artı Gerçek news website, had his final hearing at the Çorlu 4th Penal Court of First Instance in Turkey's northwestern Tekirdağ province today (December 8).

Rıfat Doğan was put on trial on the grounds that he had shot photos in the courtroom and shared these photos during the first hearing of the lawsuit filed into the Çorlu train derailment on July 3, 2019.

While Doğan did not attend his hearing by presenting an excuse, the court board has ruled that he shall be acquitted.

The journalist has shared the news about his acquittal on Twitter: "A lawsuit was filed against us while covering the families' struggle for justice in Çorlu train massacre case. A ruling of acquittal is given today. I would like to thank everyone who has stood with me, especially my attorneys."

Çorlu tren katliamı davasında mağdur ailelerin verdiği adalet mücadelesini takip ederken hakkımızda dava açılmıştı. Bugün beraat verildi. Başta avukatlarıma ve yanımda olan herkese çok teşekkür ederim. https://t.co/0E3x3Kfeck

— Rıfat Doğan (@RifatDogann) December 8, 2020

What happened?

The Çorlu Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation against Doğan on July 30, 2019, for allegedly shooting photos in the courtroom during the hearing of the Çorlu case. After Doğan gave a statement as part of the investigation, the prosecutor's office had told him that a case would not be opened against him in case he agreed to pay a fine of 900 lira.

After the reporter refused to pay the fine, an indictment against him was prepared on October 22, 2019. He was charged with violating Turkish Penal Code (TCK) Article 286/1, which says, "Any person who, without authorization, records, or transfers, audio or visuals arising from the process of investigation or prosecution shall be sentenced to a penalty of imprisonment up to six months." (HA/SD)