Mezopotamya Agency (MA) editor Sedat Yılmaz, who was arrested after being detained in Amed on April 29, 2023 within the scope of the Ankara-based investigation and released on December 14, is once again in the trial where he is being tried on allegations of "being a member of a terrorist organization" and "establishing and managing a terrorist organization". He appeared before the judge. The second hearing of the case filed against Yılmaz was held at Diyarbakır 4th High Criminal Court. Yılmaz and his lawyers were present at the hearing. Representatives of many professional organizations also watched the hearing.

 

The prosecutor requested punishment for Yılmaz. Yılmaz pointed out that his presence in Pirsûs (Suruç) and Kandil to follow the news was made the subject of accusation. Yılmaz presented his news to the court. Stating that the witness statements were contradictory, Yılmaz asked for his acquittal.

 

Yılmaz's lawyer Şule Recepoğlu said that the investigation was opened with incomplete research and then attempts were made to strengthen it with retrospective research. Recepoğlu stated that the allegations were tried to be strengthened by adding HTS records, hotel accommodation records and journalistic activities to the file.

 

Yılmaz's lawyer, Veysel Ok, stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution as an accusation proves that Yılmaz is a journalist. Lawyer Resul Temur stated that confidential witness statements will not be taken as basis for the verdict.

 

The court acquitted Yılmaz. The international ban on Yılmaz was also abolished.