The charges against all three journalists are linked to views expressed on the "Politics Stop" program on Kanal Turk. Ozkan is the producer of the progam, Bulut the television's program director and Arcayurek a "guest journalist" who appeared on television in this instance.
Subject to the Istanbul charges is Arcayurek's remarks during the program that were aired by the television:
"There is of course truth in the own words of the Turkish Armed Forces that says, we do not slam our fist down on the table, we speak with our brains. Of course we are not saying slam your fist on the table. But has it actually done what it said and what it wanted done by underlining these or pursuing them constantly? Or not? If you had done things by informing the public opinion, it wouldn't have come to this. We put our brains doen on the table, what happened? Nothing left. They didn't respect our brain. They didn't. Stupid".
BIA²: 68 people charged under 301 and 159
The Monitoring Desk of the "Establishing a Countrywide Network for Monitoring and Covering for Media Freedom and Independent Journalism-BİA²" project has disclosed that according to its data from news reports covered, a total of 68 people have been charged in Turkey under articles 301 and 159 of the Turkish Penal Code in 18 months.
While article 301 went into force on June 1, 2005, in instances where it has been favorable for the defendants, article 159 has been imposed.
Those who have been charged under both articles are journalists, writers, publishers, activists, unionists and, in some instance, ordinary citizens. (EO/II/YE)
