Prosecutor objects release of suspects in journalist attack case

ISTANBUL

DHA photo

An Istanbul prosecutor objected to the release of six suspects on Oct. 6 in the investigation of the attack on daily Hürriyet columnist Ahmet Hakan.

Seven suspects were sent to court with a demand for their arrest on the grounds of initiating an organization with the aims of committing crime, making threats, defamation and battery. Six suspects were released and just one arrested on Oct. 4 in the case, despite Mehmet Şenay Baygın’s efforts to arrest all seven suspects. 

The court arrested Ahmet Şengüler for “willful injury,” while releasing Kamuran Ergin, Uğur Adıyaman and Fuat Elmas on probation until the trial is concluded.

Meanwhile, Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş visited Ahmet Hakan at his house along with HDP deputy group head Pervin Buldan and HDP deputy Garo Paylan.

“This attack has hurt people with a conscious in Turkey. No journalists feel safe now. Some want all journalists to fear,” Demirtaş said after visiting Hakan.

HDP co-chair said that the perpetrators of the attack should be revealed with a detailed investigation into contacts and connects of the attackers.

“I don’t believe that prosecutors can work easily in this atmosphere. There is pressure on the judiciary. I am sure judges and prosecutors do not feel independent when they try to work within the rule of law. The politicians are trying to put pressure on the judiciary. But, we still believe that there are many judges and prosecutors who follow the law and we trust them. We want to trust them,” said Demirtaş. 

Meanwhile Hakan sent a message via his Twitter account for the first time after the attack and thanked his supporters. 

“Brothers and Sisters, I saw all your messages, many thanks to you all. No giving up, [we must] go on,” said Hakan in his message. 

Justice and Development Party (AKP) Ankara deputy Ahmet İyimaya said the violence was indefensible. 

Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy group head Levent Gök said there was serious support given to those who attacked Hakan.