1 October 2024
Journalist and writer Bahadır Özgür is facing trial over a speech he delivered on 2 October 2022 at the Mudanya Book Fair.
During the event, Özgür referred to the book “Duvar: Sedat Peker’s Confessions, Revelations and Allegations”, which he co-authored with Ahmet Şık, Ertuğrul Mavioğlu, Hakkı Özdal and Timur Soykan, and commented on the historical relationship between the state and the mafia.
Following this speech, Özgür was indicted under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TPC) on charges of “denigrating the Turkish nation, the Republic of Turkey, and the state’s institutions and organs.” He will stand trial before the Mudanya 1st Criminal Court of First Instance, facing a prison sentence of between six months and two years. (1 October)
15 April 2025
The Mudanya 1st Criminal Court of First Instance sentenced journalist Bahadır Özgür to 3 months and 22 days in prison for “publicly insulting the Turkish State, the government, the Grand National Assembly and the judiciary” (Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code) over a speech he gave at the Mudanya Book Fair on 2 October 2022. The announcement of the verdict was suspended, and Özgür’s lawyers stated they would appeal the decision.
