Oktay Candemir, who was covering the news in May 2019, was detained after the police did not allow a press release that the HDP wanted to hold in Van due to the prohibition of demonstrations and marches in the city.

A lawsuit was launched against Candemir, who was released after the five-day detention period, on the grounds of “preventing public officials from doing her duty” and opposition to 2911 Law on Meetings and Demonstrations.

The first hearing of the case planned to be held in Van 5th Criminal Court of First Instance on June 25 was adjourned until 11 November as the judge is on leave (25 June).

At the hearing held on November 17, 2020, Candemir made his defense and rejected the offense charged. He indicated that he had covered the press statement as a journalist and, in the meantime, he had been detained by the police by being battered and handcuffed from his back. The next hearing will be held on December 31, 2020 (November 17).

At the final hearing held on December 31, the court has ruled for the acquittal of four defendants, including Oktay Candemir, on the grounds that no concrete, conclusive and credible evidence can be found as part of the file (December 31).