The Tatvan 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance has issued a decision regarding the assault on journalist Sinan Aygül, who was severely attacked on June 17, 2023, in Tatvan, Bitlis. The court found Yücel Baysalı, a municipal employee and relative of Mayor Mehmet Emin Geylani, and police officer Engin Kaplan guilty of “intentional injury.” Baysalı and Kaplan were sentenced to 1 year, 5 months, and 15 days in prison. However, the court applied a reduction in their sentences by one-sixth, considering their “social relations and the potential effects of the punishment on their future.” The court acquitted them of the “public insult” charge and postponed the announcement of the verdict, ultimately suspending the sentence (January 25).