Kadri Gürsel : I am punished by jailed because I could remain as a journalist

2017-07-24 21:23:36

ISTANBUL – Case of Cumhuriyet Newspaper’s journalists that 17 journalists are judged has begun today after nine months. 

The case of Cumhuriyet Newspaper’s journalist that 17 journalists included 11 imprisoned are judged has begun today after nine months. It was reported first trial will be finish in four days.

 

Journalists and authors named Akın Atalay, Murat Sabuncu, Kadri Gürsel, Güray Öz, Hakan Kara, Turhan Günay, Musa Kart, Önder Çelik, Bülent Utku and M. Kemal Güngör had been jailed nine month ago and journalist Ahmet Şık is prisoned since seven and half months.




Many newspaper’s readers gathered in front of Çağlayan Courthouse of Istanbul from early morning hours. It was also reported a large number of NGOs’, press unions’ representatives came to Çağlayan Courthouse.




Initiative of Journalists of Outside made a press statement in front of court house. Journalist Candan Yıldız made a speech on behalf of the initiative.

 

Yıldız reminded exactly 660 times ‘news’ word was used in the accusation file which is proves journalists are judged because of journalism activity.

 

Co-chair of Green Party group of European Parliament (EP)  Rebecca Harms spoke after Yıldız. “ I am here because journalist Ahmet Şık is prisoned. Freedom of press is base of democracy. We take courage from you. Democracy problem of Turkey is whole world’s problem” said Harms.

 

Media and Communication Director of International Press Institute Steven Ellis spoke after Harms. “ The sues which were opened against opponents to silence them will be remain inconclusive” said Ellis.




It was also reported HDP’s (Peoples’ Democratic Party) lawmaker Filiz Kerestecioğlu and CHP (Republic People Party) Barış Yarkadaş also sent their solidarity message to journalists.

 

 

The trial has begun after imprisoned journalists were taken into courthouse. It was reported journalists were welcomed with acclaim.

A thousand and one hundred lawyers had gave extend to attend the trial. But Court board accepted only 57 lawyers’ demand under rule of state of emergency’ decree.

Trial began with journalist Kadri Gürsel’s defense. “ I was punished by jailed because I could remain as a journalist” told Gürsel. Journalist Gürsel also denied accusation that he is ‘helping to illegal organization without being member of illegal organization’. 

Trial is continuing.