Journalist and columnist Mehmet Y. Yılmaz is standing trial for allegedly insulting a public officer. His article which was published during the municipality elections, highlighting the increase on the wealth of Binali Yıldırım and his children, was already been blocked by a court order.
Recently, a lawsuit is filed against Mehmet Yılmaz on the ground of insulting a public officer, requesting imprisonment up to 4 years and 1 month. First hearing of the trial will be held at İstanbul Anatolian 37 Assize Criminal Court on 14 January 2020.
Journalist Yılmaz rejected the charges and stated that the question pertaining politician and former Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım’s wealth is within the scope of public interest. Lawyers of the journalist requested the decision of acquittal at the first trial. They followed that if the court decides otherwise, they would be requesting the investigation of the wealth of Yıldırım and his family to be initiated, pertaining the ongoing prosecution. The court is adjourned until 9 April 2020.
At the hearing held on July 14th, Istanbul Anatolian 37th Assize Criminal Court decided that the elements of the crime did not occur and acquitted the journalist.
