Charged with “propagandizing for a terrorist organization” (as per the Article 7/2 of the Anti-Terror Law / TMK), JinNews reporter Rabia Önver had her first hearing at the Van 2nd High Criminal Court on September 13, 2022.
While Önver was present in the courtroom, her lawyer Günay Karataş attended the hearing via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS). Denying the offenses charged, Önver said that her social media posts were within freedom of expression. Presenting its opinions as to the accusations, the prosecutor’s office requested that Önver be penalized on the offense charged. Lawyer Karakaş requested time to make a statement of defense as to the accusations. The court accepted the request and adjourned the hearing until September 23 (September 13).
At the hearing held on September 23, 2022, the court board concluded that the offense charged had been “repetitively” committed and ruled that Önver should be sentenced to 1 year, 6 months, 27 days in prison. The court suspended the announcement of the verdict (September 23).