12 November 2025
Journalist Perihan Erkılınç Okay was released under judicial control after approximately 194 days in pre-trial detention on charges of “membership in an organisation.”
At the first hearing held at Istanbul 23rd High Criminal Court, the prosecution cited social media posts, May 1st calls, and witness statements as evidence. Erkılınç Okay denied all accusations, stating: “I am a journalist, the documents relate to my profession.”
Key witness Zeki Varol denied knowing the journalist and rejected claims attributed to him by another witness, Rüzgar Kırtan. A second witness, Ahmet Elma, said he was a relative of Okay and denied any organisational ties.
Despite the prosecutor’s request for continued detention, the court ordered her release with a travel ban and weekly signature obligation. The next hearing is scheduled for 2 February 2026.