An investigation and a lawsuit for damages of 400 thousand lira have been brought against Nagihan Yılkın, a reporter for Cumhuriyet Newspaper, over her news report titled “Network of corruption and bribery at governor’s office”. An access block was also imposed on Yılkın’s news upon the criminal complaint of Gaziantep Governor Davut Gül (April 13). 

The second hearing of the case filed against Cumhuriyet newspaper reporter Yılkın and Cumhuriyet.com.tr Editor-in-Chief Mustafa Büyüksipahi on the charge of “insulting a public official” (TCK 125) was held on July 13, 2023, at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. The prosecutor gave an opinion and requested punishment, claiming that the legal elements of the crime of insult were met. The hearing was adjourned until December 5, 2023 (July 13).

The third hearing of the case was held on December 5, 2023, at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. The prosecutor reiterated its opinion on the merits and requested that Yılkın and Büyüksipahi be punished on the grounds that the statements in the news were “aimed at damaging the participant’s reputation in society.” The hearing was postponed until 15 February , 2024 (December 5th).

Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance sentenced Nagihan Yılkın to a judicial fine of 7 thousand 80 TL in the fourth hearing of the trial (16 February).