Turkey sentences five journalists for naming intelligence agents in Libya

News About Turkey - NAT
2 Min Read

A Turkish court gave jail sentences on Wednesday to five journalists for revealing identities of two security agents who died in Libya where Ankara is helping the Tripoli government fight off an assault by eastern forces, a lawyer said.

The charges centered on articles and social media posts published shortly after President Tayyip Erdogan said in February that “several martyrs” had been lost in Libya.

Two journalists were sentenced to three years and nine months in jail, while three were given four years and eight months for violation of National Intelligence Agency law, defense lawyer Celal Ulgen told Reuters after the hearing.

The defendants denied the accusations, saying they were doing their jobs as reporters.

“We will take this ruling to an appeals court. This is not a lawful decision, this is a political decision,” Ulgen said.

Two other defendants were acquitted from the charges and the court delayed the case of an eighth defendant.

Turkey’s courts do not generally confirm rulings to the media and there was no word on the case from the government.

Critics say Erdogan has eroded the independence of courts and the media since a crackdown following an attempted coup in 2016. Officials say the courts are autonomous and arrests have been necessary due to security risks.

Turkey has given military support and training to Libya’s Government of National Accord, helping it fight off an assault on the capital Tripoli by the forces of Khalifa Haftar.

Source: Al-Arabiya

TAGGED:
Share This Article
Founded by a small group of Turkish/Kurdish scholars who have been subjected to persecution at the hands of the Erdogan dictatorship, News About Turkey (NAT) has emerged as a platform that is both exceptional and invaluable. Our objective is to provide you with a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the events and developments in Turkey (Türkiye), a country with profound historical and geopolitical importance, a vibrant culture, and a strategic location. Our founders, who have been purged by the Erdogan regime after the so-called coup attempt, are aware of the significance of journalism that is both free and independent. Because of this understanding, we are committed to providing reporting and analysis that is both objective and comprehensive. To give you the most thorough coverage of Turkey, we go further than just scratching the surface. Keep in touch with us so that you can have a better understanding of Turkey's developing story as well as vital and comprehensive news items. Whether you are a resident of Turkey, a member of the Turkish/Kurdish diaspora, or simply someone who has a strong interest in this vital country, we are the most reliable source for news that not only informs but also inspires and engages you.
Leave a comment