An investigation has been launched against journalist Baransel Ağca for the third time over his news about the suspicious death of student Yeldana Kaharman from Kazakhstan in 2019. Ağca has announced that the investigation has been launched upon the criminal complaint of Justice and Development Party (AKP) MP Tolga Ağar (September 1).

Journalist Baransel Ağca was on trial on the grounds that he shared the autopsy and toxicology report of Yeldana Kahraman, who was found dead in her house in Elazığ on March 28, 2019 and whose passing was suspicious. Put on trial with his indictment accepted, Ağca was charged with “obtaining or spreading personal data unlawfully” (as per the Article 136 of the Turkish Penal Code / TCK). The first hearing of the trial at the Elazığ 8th Criminal Court of First Instance was scheduled for September 13, 2022. As the judge offered an excuse, the hearing was adjourned until a later date (September 13).

2023

At the January 26 hearing, the lawyer of the complainant Zülfü Tolga Ağar requested to participate in the case. The court accepted the request and ruled to initiate the necessary procedures for Ağca’s testimony to be taken by reference. The next hearing is scheduled for June 13 (January 26).

The fourth hearing was held on July 7, 2023 at the 8th Criminal Court of First Instance in Elazığ. The court acquitted Ağca on the grounds that the legal elements of the charged crime had not been established (July 7).

The fifth hearing was held on February 29, 2024 at the Elazığ 8th Criminal Court of First Instance. The prosecutor requested an arrest warrant for Ağca. The court accepted the request, and the hearing was adjourned until July 2 (February 29th).

The sixth hearing was held on July 2 at the Elazığ 8th Criminal Court of First Instance. Ağca and his lawyer did not attend the hearing. The hearing was adjourned until November 19 (July 2nd).