The fourth hearing of the case against journalist Rahime Karvar on charges of “being a member of an illegal organization” was held today at the Istanbul 24th High Criminal Court. Rahime Karvar and her lawyers were present at the court.
While the prosecutor reiterated his previous opinion seeking prison sentence, journalist Rahime Karvar stated that she did not accept the charges, saying that she was carrying out journalistic activities and that journalism was not a crime.
Rahime Karvar’s lawyer, Elif Taşdöğen, emphasized that her client is a journalist and feminist activist. She noted that Karvar was the moderator of the TV program in question and that the word “Kurdistan” used in her news reports could not be the subject of the charges.
When asked for her final statement, Rahime Karvar said, “All my activities fall within the scope of journalism. Whatever the verdict may be, I will continue to practice journalism. I demand my acquittal and the lifting of the judicial control measure.”
The court sentenced Rahime Karvar to 2 years and 1 month in prison on charges of “aiding an illegal organization.” While the imposition of electronic monitoring and signing in to the police were lifted, the court decided to maintain the ban on her leaving the country.