Journalist Mehmet Yılmaz acquitted of defaming former PM Yıldırım

Mehmet Yılmaz and Binali Yıldırım

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Columnist Mehmet Yılmaz has been acquitted in the case over an article questioning the source of former prime minister Binali Yıldırım's fortune after the politician withdrew his complaint.

The article was published on T24 on June 19, 2019, just four days before the repeat election for İstanbul mayor, where Yıldırım participated as the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Yılmaz said in the article that he would vote for Yıldırm if he disclosed the "secret" about his wealth.

Then the former prime minister and parliamentary speaker had filed a criminal complaint against Yılmaz for "defamation."

The second hearing of the case was held today (July 14) at İstanbul Anadolu 37th Penal Court of First Instance.

Although Yıldırım withdrew his complaint, a criminal case was opened against Yılmaz.

Taylan Tanay, the attorney of Yılmaz, stated in his defense as to the accusations that it was natural for a journalist to ask questions about a politician's wealth.

"This was not done for the first time by the client, it has been the subject of many articles before. The article is within the scope of freedom of thought and expression and journalism," the attorney remarked and said that the Court of Cassation and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) considered similar issues within the scope of freedom of expression in many cases.

Tanay requested the acquittal of Yılmaz, saying it was clear that the complainant did nor suffer any damage.

Announcing its decision, the court stated that the elements of the crime did not occur and acquitted the journalist. (HA/VK)