Within the scope of the investigation launched on 3 December 2018, allegations regarding the closure of FETÖ investigations in exchange of money were investigated. Money bargains between prosecutors, lawyers, police and FETÖ investigation suspects were identified with technical and physical follow-up, 2 prosecutors were suspended and lawsuits were filed against both, seeking up to 28 years in prison.
Cumhuriyet newspaper published this story as the headline of its March 17, 2019 issue. Seyhan Avşar, the court reporter of the newspaper, announced the news to the public. Thereupon, a lawsuit was filed against Seyhan on charges of insulting the public official. Prosecutors suspended due to the ongoing investigation were referred as victims in the indictment of the defamation case.
The first hearing of the trial took place on January 16. The court decided to drop the case, as it was filed after the expiration of the 4-month statute of limit period to file a lawsuit, stipulated by the Press Law.