Radio Trial Awaits Propaganda Ruling

"Radyo Dunya" (Radio World) was sued for citing an article by the PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, titled, "A War Could Break Out and Even I Wouldn't be Able to Prevent it," and could be dissolved. The Turkish court handling the trial decided to wait for the ruling in another trial against radio officials charged for "disseminating propaganda in favor of the illegal organization."

The trial was opened by the Industry and Commerce Ministry with the request of the Adana State Security Court (DGM). Lawyer Meric Tumer represented Radyo Dunya in last Wednesday's hearing.

Judge Enver Mercan rejected lawyer Tumer's demand to dismiss the case and decided to wait for the outcome of the trial against the radio's owner Fatih Demir, and presenter Yeter Cemile Gundogdu, who are being charged with "disseminating propaganda in favor of the illegal organization." The next hearing will be held on February 9, 2005.

Detention, trials, warning...

During her radio program, presenter Gundogdu had cited an announcement by the imprisoned PKK leader, which was published in the "Ulkede Ozgur Gundem" (Free Agenda in the Country) newspaper. Ocalan, who is at the Imrali Prison, had made the announcement through his lawyers on May 3. The presenter wasdetained on May 25, questioned by the DGM prosecutors and then released.

With the complaint of the Adana DGM, the Radio and Television Higher Board (RTUK) asked for a defense from the radio citing "separatism," and "incitement of hatred and enmity." RTUK then made a warning to the radio saying it "encouraged violence." RTUK also asked for the radio to temporarily stop broadcasts because it interfered with the broadcasts of Turkish Radio and Television's Radio 1. (EO/YS/EA/YE)