Five journalists receive prison sentences

At the final hearing of the trial against journalists of Özgürlükçü Demokrasi newspaper, the court sentenced five journalists to prison.

News Center- The final hearing of the trial against six journalists of Özgürlükçü Demokrasi newspaper, which was closed down by an emergency decree at the Istanbul 23rd High Criminal Court.

The lawyers of the journalists, who stood trial on charges of “membership in a (terrorist) organization”, “propagandizing for a terrorist organization”, “openly inciting the public to hatred and hostility” and “Praising crime and criminals”, attended the hearing.

The court issued the acquittal of Mizgin Fendi and separated the case of Pınar Tarlak on the grounds that she had another ongoing case. The court sentenced Mehmet Ali Çelebi to three years and nine months on charges of “Supporting a (terrorist) organization” and Reyhan Hacıoğlu, İhsan Yaşar, İshak Yasul and Hicran Ürün to three years, one month and 15 days in prison for each one on the same charges.

The court issued the lift of travel ban on the journalists.