Put on trial for entering a ‘forbidden military zone’, journalists acquitted

* Photo: Gökhan Balcı / Anadolu Agency (AA)

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Put on trial for "entering a forbidden military zone" in Pazarkule in Turkey's northwestern province of Edirne in 2020 while reporting on the situation of refugees heading towards the border with Greece, Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reporters Naci Kaya and İdris Sayılğan have been acquitted.

While Sayılğan and Kaya did not attend the final hearing held at the Edirne 8th Penal Judgeship of Peace today, their attorneys were present.

Announcing the opinion as to the accusations, the prosecutor demanded that the journalists be penalized. Making defense as to the accusations, the attorneys stressed that the professional activities of Sayılğan and Kaya as journalists cannot be reduced to having a press card or not and noted that their clients reported on the violations of rights faced by refugees.

Announcing its ruling, the court board has ruled that journalists İdris Sayılğan and Naci Kaya shall be acquitted as the elements of the crime of "entering forbidden military zones" were not constituted.

Detained During News Follow-up at Border, Journalist İdris Sayılğan Arrested

(HA/SD)