A lawsuit was filed against journalist Elif Akgül, one of the former managers of DİSK Basın-İş, at the Istanbul High Criminal Court, alleging “chain organization propaganda” (TMK 2/7) due to her news posts on social media. Based on the reports prepared by Samsun Police Department and Istanbul Gendarmerie Command, a prison sentence of up to 13.5 years was requested for Akgül. On January 20, 2018, Akgül shared the following statement: “Speaking of the Afrin Operation, while PYD was in Ankara fighting against ISIS, which killed our citizens in Suruç, and protecting our National Pact borders, members of the Turkish Armed Forces on the border were chatting with ISIS members” and ETHA’s statement that the Turkish Armed Forces had chemical weapons in Northern Iraq. He will be tried for retweeting news about his alleged use of a gun. In the report prepared by Samsun Anti-Cyber ​​Crimes Branch Directorate, Akgül’s post about the bomb attack in Taksim in November 2022 and the Etkin News Agency’s (ETHA) report on 18 October 2022 about the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) using chemical weapons in Northern Iraq. He also shared the news he made (December 13).

The trial of journalist Elif Akgül was tried on the allegation of “chain organization propaganda” (TMK 2/7) was held on April 2, 2024, at the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court. Akgül’s lawyer, Aydın, stated, ‘Filing a lawsuit against these posts constitutes a violation of freedom of the press and freedom of expression. We are seeking acquittal.” Prosecutor Furkan Kafalı told Akgül, “I requested your punishment” and did not read the opinion. Lawyer Aydin requested time to make a statement against the opinion. The hearing was adjourned until 27 June at 11.00 (2 April).

At the hearing held at the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court on June 27, Akgül was acquitted.