Supreme Court of Appeals Approves Prison Sentence Güven to Journalist Türfent

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The Supreme Court of Appeals 16th Penal Chamber has approved the prison sentence given to journalist Nedim Türfent by Hakkari 2nd Heavy Penal Court.

Türfent was a reporter for the Dicle News Agency (DİHA) which was shut down in November 2016 due to a Statutory Decree.

He was detained on May 12, 2016, and was arrested a day later for "membership of an illegal organization."

He reported on human rights violations after the declaration of a curfew in Yüksekova, Hakkari.

After the approval of the sentence, Türfent was transferred to the ward of convicts, the Mezopotamya Agency reported.

Türfent was also charged with "propagandizing for a terrorist organization."

The prosecutor considered Türfent's interviews with the members of the YPS, an armed group was active in the southeastern region at the time, "elements of a crime."

The bill of indictment also included the statements of 20 witnesses who said Türfent is a reporter for DİHA in Hakkari province and shoots images and videos. They also alleged that Türfent "helps the terrorist organization" with his reports and the videos he shot.

The prosecutor alleged that Türfent is responsible for the terrorist organization's media affairs and acts upon orders by the terrorist organization.

Türfent's posts on social media were also shown as evidence for "propagandizing for a terrorist organization" in the indictment. It claimed Türfent justified the methods of violence and force. (HA/VK)