Journalists acquitted in case of 'Berkin Elvan' reports

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Three journalists have been acquitted in the case over reports about the investigation into the killing of 14-year-old Berkin Elvan, who was shot in the head by a tear gas cannister during the 2013 Gezi Park protests. He lost his life after nine months of coma.

A case was filed against Canan Coşkun and Veli Açar from daily Cumhuriyet because of a report titled "The police officer who allegedly shot Berkin Elvan did not remember his place of duty," which was published on March 11, 2016.

Can Uğur stood trial because of a report titled "The reason for the confidentiality order on Berkin Elvan investigation: The reputation of the murderer should not be damaged," which was published on the online edition of daily BirGün.

The journalists were accused of "marking a counterterrorism official as a target for outlawed organizations."

Coşkun and attorneys Abbas Yalçın, Tolgay Güvercin and Damla Çamlıtepe attended the sixth and final hearing at the İstanbul 34th Heavy Penal Court. Uğur and Açar were not present in the courtroom.

CLICK - Journalists on trial for 'marking counterterrorism officer as a target for outlawed leftist group'

"I didn't commit a crime"

Making her defense against the prosecutor's opinion as to the accusations, Coşkun said she had followed and reported on the Berkin Elvan case since the beginning.

"After the statements of attorneys, I looked at the suspect police officer's statement in the file. I reported on it without writing his full name. I didn't intend to mark him as a target. I didn't commit a crime, I made a news report," she said.

Speaking after Coşkun, attorney Abbas Yalçın said there had been no progress in the investigation into the killing of Elvan for a long time.

Then, attorneys had made a statement after the Gendarmerie Criminal Bureau was able to identify a suspect and Coşkun reported on it, he said.

"The court tried to find the police officer by writing to the Security Directorate. The Security Directorate said they couldn't find him. Security Directorate can't find it, but terrorist organizations will?" he remarked.

Handing down its judgment, the court acquitted all defendants.

Commenting on the verdict, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Turkey Representative Erol Önderoğlu said the case showed the extent of the legal harassment against reporters. "The end of these pressures is as important as the acquittal," he said. (HA/VK)