Journalist detained for leaking ex-CHP leader sex tape in 2010

ANKARA

The owner of Turkish news website habervaktim has been detained for leaking the sex tape of former Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader and current Antalya deputy Deniz Baykal and causing him to resign from his post as main opposition chair. 

Yener Dönmez, who is the owner of both habervaktim and daily Vahdet, was detained at the website’s bureau in Ankara on Aug. 10, private broadcaster CNNTürk reported. Dönmez was accused of carrying out the media leg of a “plot” against Baykal as the website was the first media outlet to leak the footage. 

Reports indicated a second journalist was being sought over the leaked tape, although his or her identity was not disclosed to the media. Sources suggested the suspect remained at large. 

The former CHP head had referred to the 2010 leak of intimate footage featuring him and then-CHP deputy Nesrin Baytok as a government plot, alleging that he was the victim of a conspiracy. 

“Such private images cannot be taped and such a plot can’t be realized without the knowledge of the government,” Baykal had said. 

Baykal also said he received messages of sorrow and support from Pennsylvania – referring to Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, who is currently accused of orchestrating the July 15 failed coup attempt. At the time, Baykal said he believed in the sincerity of Gülen’s messages.