An investigation has been launched against journalist Melis Alphan on charge of “propagandizing for a terrorist organization” on the grounds of a photograph that she shared from the 2015 Diyarbakır Newroz. Giving her statement as a suspect at the Press Crimes Bureau, Melis Alphan has said that the investigation has been launched because the flag of the organization was seen in the photograph (November 23).
The journalist has been charged with “propagandizing for a terrorist organization” on the grounds that “the flag of the organization was seen in the picture.” Alphan faces up to 7 years, 6 months in prison on the offense charged. She will stand trial at the İstanbul 32nd Heavy Penal Court (January 13).
At the hearing held on April 6, 2021, the prosecutor presented the opinion as to the accusations and demanded that Melis Alphan be penalized on the offense charged. The İstanbul 32nd High Criminal Court accepted the request of Alphan and her attorneys for time to prepare their defense as to the accusations. The next hearing will be held on May 21 (April 6).
At the hearing held on May 21, Melis Alphan made her defense as to the accusations and demanded her acquittal. Announcing its judgement, the court board has ruled that Alphan shall be acquitted (May 21).
On July 8, 2021, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office of İstanbul appealed against the acquittal of journalist Melis Alphan over the “Newroz photo”; the ruling was taken to the appeals court (July 8).
On March 3, 2022, the file of journalist Melis Alphan was appealed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the İstanbul Appeals Court; the file was taken to the Court of Cassation (March 22).
