The Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office completed the investigation against Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reporter Mehmet Aslan, who had been behind bars in Antalya Type L Closed Prison since January 9, 2021 due to his journalist,s activities. Charging him with “membership of a terrorist organization” and “making news that agitates/provokes masses”, the indictment of the prosecutor’s office was submitted to the Antalya 2nd High Criminal Court. The court gave a decision of non-jurisdiction, saying that the offense charged had been committed in İstanbul. Sent to İstanbul upon this decision, the indictment has been accepted by the İstanbul 24th High Criminal Court. The first hearing will be held on May 26, 2021 (April 15).

Arrested since January 9, Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reporter Mehmet Aslan had his first hearing at the İstanbul 24th High Criminal Court on May 26, 2021. He has been released at the first hearing. The next hearing will be held on October 14 (May 26).

At the hearing held on October 14, 2021, the court board ruled that the deficiencies in the file should be rectified. The next hearing will be held on December 16 (October 14).

At the hearing held on December 16, 2021, the court board handed down its interim ruling; it has ruled for the acquittal of Aslan and lifted his international travel ban (December 16).