Prison sentence for journalist Nurcan Yalçın

Journalist Nurcan Yalçın, a correspondent of the JINHA news agency, was sentenced to three years, seven months and 22 days in prison for “membership of a terrorist organization” and ” spreading propaganda for a terrorist organization” as part of the trial against the Rosa Women’s Association, an aid organization for women affected by violence in Amed (Diyarbakır). Yalçın herself did not attend the trial at the 9th Criminal Chamber of the Diyarbakır High Court in person, but was represented by her lawyer Resul Tamur. Tamur rejected the accusations against his client and emphasized that not even a proper investigation had been conducted.

Investigations based on legal association membership

The investigation is based solely on the fact that Yalçın’s name appeared on a membership list during a search of the women’s association.

However, the Rosa Women’s Association is not banned. Lawyer Tamur said: “There is no offense against my client. The charge is based solely on her membership in a legal association. To claim this right is presented as a crime. It is simply malicious to present my client’s picture to a secret witness who had not made any statement against her. The secret witness wants to save himself by presenting my client in this way. A verdict cannot be based solely on the testimony of a secret witness.” The lawyer pointed out that even the secret witness’ testimony about Yalçın’s job had been false. Taking into account the contradictory statements, the lawyer demanded acquittal for his client.

After the pleas, the court took a short break and then sentenced Yalçın to a total of three years, seven months and 22 days in prison, two years and one month for “knowingly and intentionally supporting a terrorist organization” and one year, six months and 22 days for “spreading propaganda of a terrorist organization.” The court also ordered a ban on Yalçın leaving the country until she begins serving her prison sentence.