ANKARA - The journalists whose statements were taken at the Ankara Courthouse were asked about their news stories, social media posts and travels.
Mezopotamya Agency Editor-in-Chief Diren Yurtsever and its reporters Deniz Nazlım, Berivan Altan, Selman Güzelyüz, Hakan Yalçın, Emrullah Acar, Ceylan Şahinli, JINNEWS reporters Habibe Eren, Öznur Değer and Mehmet Günhan who worked as an intern in the MA Ankara office for a while, were detained on October 25 as part of the Ankara-based investigation, were brought to the Ankara Courthouse 4 days later.
The testimony of MA and JINNEWS reporters, who were handcuffed behind their back in the courthouse, began. Statements are taken simultaneously by 9 prosecutors.
JOURNALISTS WERE REMOVED FROM THE COURTHOUSE
Journalist Colleagues and their families, who are waiting in the courthouse corridor where the statements of the journalists are taken, were taken out by the police. The families and colleagues of the journalists continue to wait in front of the Ankara Courthouse.
The prosecution statements of all journalists, except for journalist Selman Güzelyüz, have been completed. Journalists were asked about their membership in the Dicle and Fırat Journalists' Association (DFG), their news, television connections, social media posts, and why they attended the funeral ceremony of Nagihan Akarsel, who was assassinated in the Federated Kurdistan Region.
WHY DID YOU BECOME AN EDITOR-IN CHIEF?
Diren Yurtsever was asked why she became the Editor-in-Chief of MA. Yurtsever was shown the photo taken with the MA microphone, and was asked if she knew the journalists detained with her.
WHY DID YOU TRAVEL?
Journalist Öznur Değer was asked why she received the award given to Jin TV by the TMMOB Chamber of Architects Ankara Branch Board of Directors. 67 travels made by Öznur Değer were brought as charges. Öznur Değer was asked for what reason she shared her social media posts and from whom did she get instructions on this matter.
ARE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE MESOPOTAMIA AGENCY?
Journalist Deniz Nazlım was asked why and how he became a member of the DFG. It was noteworthy that Nazlım was asked if she was uncomfortable at the Mesopotamia Agency where he worked.
JOURNALIST QUESTIONED ABOUT WHY SHE REPORTED NEWS ON TV
Jinnews reporter Habibe Eren was questioned about why she appeared on TV and reported about the murder of journalist Nagihan Akarsel. The fact that the prosecutor asked Eren if she got the instruction from the PKK drew attention.
WHO INSTRUCTS YOU TO WRITE YOUR STORIES?
MA reporter Berivan Altan was accused of her social media posts. Altan was questioned about who she has been working with and with what method they publish the news stories. Altan was asked who gave her instructions about what to write.
Journalist Selman Güzelyüz was also asked about whom he got instructions from and how is the news agency is being financed. Güzelyüz was also asked why he followed HDP from the social media and asked "Where is Kurdistan?".
The deposition to the prosecutor's office ended with Güzelyüz. The decision of the prosecutor is expected to be heard soon.