An investigation was launched against Ruşen Takva, a freelance journalist based in Van, on the grounds that he followed up a protest demonstration attempted to be held in the province. The investigation has been completed and Takva is now facing 9 years to 18 years in prison on charge of “being a member of an armed terrorist organization.”

The journalist will stand trial on charges of “being a member of an armed terrorist organization” and “not dispersing despite warning and use of force” as per the Law no. 2911 on Meetings and Demonstrations. Takve will have his first hearing at the Van 2nd High Criminal Court on June 10, 2021 (April 9).

Charged with “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations” and “committing an offense on behalf of a terrorist organization”, Ruşen Takva had his first hearing at the Van 2nd High Criminal Court on June 10, 2021. The prosecutor of the hearing demanded time to prepare the opinion as to the accusations. The next hearing will be held on October 12 (June 10).

At the second hearing held on October 12, 2021, Ruşen Takva was acquitted of the charged offenses of “violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations” and “being a member of a terrorist organization” (October 12).