2nd Hearing in Journalist Türfent’s Trial Ends With No Release Order

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Attorneys of journalist Nedim Türfent from the closed Dicle News Agency who is standing trial on charge of "being a member of an illegal organization" and "propagandizing for a terrorist organization" have left the courtroom after a discussion with the board of judges due to a 6-hour delay. The attorneys did not began the plea.

According to Dicle News Agency, Türfent's sick and old relatives were made to wait for 6 hours in court in the hallway. Following the discussion, 11 witnesses one of whom was anonymous were heard. Devran Bahadır among the 11 witnesses testified that he did not know Nedim Türfent.

The discussions between the attorneys and the board of judges continued after the second break. The board ordered Türfent's attorney Harika Günay Karakaş to leave the courtroom. Thereupon the rest of Türfen's attorneys stated that they would not make a defence, criticized the court's decision and left the courtroom as well.

The next hearing of the trial will be held on November 1.

What happened?

Nedim Türfent was detained in Van province on May 12, 2016. The reporters stated to be taken into custody over an investigation launched into them have been sent to Edremit TEM (Anti-Terror) Branch Office.

DİHA reporter Nedim Türfent brought to Yüksekova by being prevented from meeting his attorney was arrested by the court on charge of "being a member of an [illegal] organization". (EA/DG)