VAN - The hearing of the law suit against 5 journalists, 4 of whom are currently under arrest, have started. Cell phones were shut off at the hearing where only 4 journalists were allowed in court room.

 

The first hearing of the trial against Mesopotamia Agency (MA) reporters Adnan Bilen and Cemil Uğur, Jinnews reporter Şehriban Abi and journalist Nazan Sala, and MA reporter Zeynep Durgut, started.  Journalists attended the hearing held at the Van 5th High Criminal Court via Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS) from the prisons they are being held.

  

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WEREN'T ALLOWED IN COURT ROOM

 

Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG) Co-chairs Serdar Altan and Dicle Müftüoğlu, Mezopotamya Women Journalists Platform (MKGP) Co-spokesperson Ayşe Güney, Turkey Journalists Union (TGS) Chair Gökhan Durmuş, TGS Diyarbakır Represantative Mahmut Oral, Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) Co-Director Veysel Ok, many journalists and relatives of the imprisoned journalists came to the courthouse to follow the hearing early in the morning.

 

The court board allowed only 4 journalists in the court room due to the pandemic. Professional organization represantatives and families were not allowed in the court room.

 

The journalists who were allowed in the court room were made to shut off their cell phones.