Women Press Freedom welcomes court decision, demands authorities cease targeting press with bogus terrorism charges

Location: Turkiye, Istanbul
Date: June 27, 2024

Journalist Elif Akgül, former editor at Bianet, has been acquitted of terrorism propaganda charges related to her tweets. The court ruled that Akgül’s comments were protected under freedom of expression, rejecting the prosecution’s request for punishment. By upholding Akgül's right to voice concerns about military operations and alleged human rights violations, this decision reinforces constitutional protections for free speech. While this victory is significant, it highlights the ongoing issue of legal harassment against journalists in Turkey. The practice of using false terrorism charges to silence critics must stop. However, Women Press Freedom commends the court’s ruling and hopes it sets a positive precedent for other journalists facing similar unjust charges.

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On June 27, 2024, Elif Akgül stood trial on bogus terrorism charges at Istanbul's 13th Heavy Penal Court. The charges stemmed from two tweets she posted in 2018 and 2022, which the prosecution claimed constituted "terrorist organization propaganda." The first tweet commented on a Turkish military operation in Syria, and the second raised concerns about the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Turkish Armed Forces in Northern Iraq

Despite the prosecution's push for a conviction, Akgül and her defense team argued that her posts were protected by freedom of expression. They cited the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the Turkish Constitutional Court, emphasizing that her critique of the Turkish military and use of the term "guerrilla" were within her rights.

In her final statement, Akgül declared, “Speaking against war and demanding peace is my constitutional right. I am asking you to render a verdict that looks out for the constitutional rights of the citizens of the Republic of Turkey.”

After a brief recess, the court acquitted Akgül, stating that the legal elements of the crime were not present and her comments fell within the bounds of freedom of expression.

Women Press Freedom welcomes the court’s decision. The acquittal of Elif Akgül reaffirms the principles of freedom of expression and press freedom, highlighting the judiciary's role in protecting these fundamental rights. This ruling is particularly significant given the increasing pressures and risks faced by journalists in the country. By recognizing that Akgül's tweets were a legitimate exercise of her right to free speech, the court has set an important precedent that may provide some protection for other journalists facing similar accusations. However, this victory should not overshadow the persistent and pervasive issue of legal harassment against journalists in Turkey. The use of bogus terrorism charges to silence critical voices must end. This ruling, though positive, underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure that journalists can work without fear of unjust prosecution. Women Press Freedom demands that Turkish authorities cease their practice of targeting the press with baseless terrorism charges and uphold their commitment to protecting freedom of speech and the press.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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