18–22 February 2025
As part of an investigation into the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK), journalist Elif Akgül was taken into custody on the morning of 18 February along with around 280 other individuals. After four days in detention, she was brought before the İstanbul Criminal Judgeship of Peace, which ordered her arrest on charges of “membership in the PKK” (Turkish Penal Code, Article 314/2).
2 June 2025
Journalist Elif Akgül, who had been arrested on 21 February on charges of “membership in an organization” in the HDK investigation, was released after her lawyers’ appeal was accepted.
30 September 2025
Journalist Elif Akgül, who was prosecuted in connection with the investigation against the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK), appeared before the Istanbul 25th High Criminal Court for the first time. She rejected the charge of “membership in an armed organization” under Article 314/2 of the Turkish Penal Code, stressing that the HDK is a legitimate political platform and that she had no involvement beyond her journalistic activities. Akgül underlined that the case relied on unlawfully obtained wiretap recordings from 13 years ago and that the indictment confused her with another person. She requested the lifting of her international travel ban. The court ordered the continuation of judicial control measures and adjourned the trial to 4 December 2025.
