Journalist Nazlan Ertan acquitted in 'retweet case'

Photo: Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)

Journalist Nazlan Ertan faced trial on two separate charges after retweeting a tweet by Human Rights Association (İHD) Co-Chair Eren Keskin.

At the first hearing held yesterday at İzmir's 21st Heavy Penal Court, she was acquitted of "marking officials assigned in the fight against terrorism as targets" and "insulting a public official."

Ertan retweeted a tweet by Keskin, who wrote, "There is no respect for mourning. Deniz Poyraz's father's demand for justice is considered 'propaganda" on April 17 2022. The tweet concerned the high profile murder case of Deniz Poyraz, who while working at the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP)'s office in İzmir, was shot dead on June 17 2021, by Onur Gencer, a Grey Wolves sympathizer.

Keskin tweeted that instead of investigating who commanded the killing of Poyraz, the father of the murdered woman was charged with "terrorist propaganda." In May last year, Ertan was commanded to give a statement for the retweet. The veteran journalist explained that she retweeted developments found newsworthy as she was covering the attack on İzmir's HDP office.

Acıya dahi saygı yok!!Deniz Poyraz'ın babasının 'adalet' talebi 'propaganda' sayıldı... https://t.co/9nN55ozWgO

— Eren Keskin (@KeskinEren1) April 17, 2022

She gave similar comments at yesterday's hearing. Stating that she has been a journalist for 35 years and followed the Poyraz case. Ertan underscored that she did not mention anyone directly or indirectly in the tweet. Her lawyers requested the acquittal of Ertan, emphasizing that the indictment lacks proper investigation.

The court concluded the case stating that the elements of offense did not occur. Acquitting Ertan and removing the international ban imposed on the journalist, who also holds French citizenship.

171 journalists stood trial

According to BİA Media Monitoring Report, in the months October, November and December, at least 171 journalists and media representatives were put on trial on charges related to the Turkish Penal Code, the Anti-Terror Law, and the Law on Gatherings and Demonstrations. Nine were asked to pay material and immaterial damages.

In addition, 12 journalists were acquitted of "insulting the president," "insult," "provoking the public into hatred and hostility," "propagandizing for a terrorist organization," and "praising a crime" in the last three months of 2022. 14 others were sentenced to a total of 21 years, 3 months, and 22 days in prison and to pay a 8,720 lira fine for "insulting the president," "insulting a public official," "propagandizing for a terrorist organization," and "aiding an illegal organization."

Türkiye found itself at the end of 2022 in 153rd place out of 180 on Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 's 20th annual press freedom index. The watchdog argued that authoritarianism is gaining ground, media pluralism is challenged, and all possible means are used to undermine critics in Türkiye. (WM/VK)