Mehmet Kamış, former deputy editor-in-chief of the shut-down Zaman daily and the subject of an arrest warrant for “attempting to overthrow the constitutional order” (Article 309 of the Turkish Penal Code), was detained in Çeşme district of İzmir. The operation was carried out by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Directorate and Izmir Security Directorate’s Fight Against Organized Crime Branch under the coordination of Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. On November 23, Kamış was brought before the İstanbul 26th High Criminal Court in İstanbul’s Çağlayan district and arrested on the grounds of “suspicion of escape”, citing his seven years on the run despite a warrant for his arrest. Kamış will begin his trial on January 19, 2024 (November 22-23).

12 November 2024

The Istanbul 26th High Criminal Court held the 24th hearing in the trial of former Zaman newspaper Deputy Editor-in-Chief Mehmet Kamış, who faces charges of “attempting to abolish the Parliament,” “attempting to overthrow the government,” “attempting to abolish the constitutional order,” and “membership in a terrorist organization.” Witness Nurettin Memur testified via video conference, stating that he had known Kamış since university and alleging that he had been part of the FETÖ structure. Kamış rejected the claims, saying he advanced in his career due to success in journalism. The court decided to maintain the judicial control measures and adjourned the trial until 13 February 2025. (12 November)

23 August 2025

In the ongoing Zaman newspaper trial against journalists Mehmet Kamış and Ali Çolak, the prosecutor submitted his final opinion (esas hakkında mütalaa) outside of the hearing. The prosecutor requested the acquittal of both Kamış and Çolak on the charges of “attempting to abolish the Grand National Assembly,” “attempting to abolish the constitutional order,” and “attempting to abolish the government.” However, for the charge of “membership in an armed organisation,” the prosecutor demanded Çolak’s acquittal but sought Kamış’s conviction. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for 23 September 2025 at the İstanbul 26th High Criminal Court.