T24 news site writer Tolga Şardan was detained on November 1 on charges of “disseminating misleading information” (TCK 217/A) within the scope of the investigation launched ex officio by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office following his article titled “What is in the ‘judicial report’ submitted by MİT to the Presidency?” (“MİT’in Cumhurbaşkanlığı’na sunduğu ‘yargı raporu’nda neler var?”) (November 1st).
On November 6, Tolga Şardan was released on judicial probation following an objection (November 6th).
The first hearing of the case filed against Şardan on charges of “publicly disseminating misleading information” (TCK 217/A) and “publicly insulting the judicial organs of the state” (TCK 301) based on news reports about “corruption in the judiciary” was held on July 9, 2024 at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. The prosecutor gave his opinion and requested that Şardan be punished for both offenses. Şardan and his lawyers requested time to make a statement against the opinion on the merits. Accepting the request, the court adjourned the case to December 17, 2024 (July 9th).
On 17 December 2024, the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance held a hearing in the trial of T24 columnist Tolga Şardan, who is charged with “disinformation” and “publicly insulting a public official.” The court heard the journalist’s final defence and decided to adjourn the proceedings until 22 May to evaluate an expert opinion submitted on behalf of P24 by lawyer Benan Molu. (17 December)