An investigation was launched against BirGün newspaper editör Gökay Başçan over a news report about a tendering regulation for the installment of eyebolts and buoys in bays. According to the article, the regulation would favor the Presidency of the Turkish Environment Agency, which was established under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s wife Emine Erdoğan.
The İstanbul Anadolu 6th Criminal Judgeship of Peace ruled for the removal of the news on the grounds of “libel” on June 3, 2022.
Following the order of removal, the Press Crimes Investigation Bureau launched an investigation against BirGün editor Başcan upon the complaint by Emine Erdoğan. Başcan was summoned to give a statement (June 17).
Upon the criminal complaint of Emine Erdoğan, the spouse of President and AKP Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, BirGün newspaper’s editor Gökay Başcan was indicted for “insult” by the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. In the indictment, it was argued that the news “tarnished the reputation, honor and dignity” of Emine Erdoğan. The indictment was accepted by the İstanbul 17th Criminal Court of First Instance (September 26).
BirGün newspaper’s editor Gökay Başcan was acquitted in the case in which he was tried on charges of “insult” by the Istanbul 17th Criminal Court of First Instance (March 27).
