Journalist Uğur Yılmaz, who used to work at the Bitlis Municipality Press Unit and was dismissed after the appointment of a trustee, was detained on 5 July 2017 as part of an ongoing investigation on charges of “being a member of the PKK / KCK armed terrorist organization”. After 13 days of detention, Yılmaz was arrested on July 17, 2017. According to the press, the 8-page indictment prepared on July 11, 20018, 1 year after his arrest, was based on Yılmaz’s professional activities. The journalist is standing trial for the allegations of “membership to a terrorist organization” and “propaganda for the organization” The first hearing of the case was held in the Bitlis 2nd High Criminal Court on October 16.

At the hearing held on 22 October 2019, the public prosecutor submitted his opinion that Yılmaz should be punished for both crimes. At the last hearing held on 5 November 2019, the Bitlis 2nd High Criminal Court found the journalist guilty of being a member of the terrorist organization and making propaganda for a terrorist organization, and sentenced to 6 years, 10 months and 15 days in prison.

Yılmaz was released on probation after staying in prison for 5 years 7 months, and 27 days (March 14).