Defendants: Çağrı Sarı

Media Outlet and Position: Evrensel newspaper, editor

Accusations: Insult; Defamation

Possible sentence: up to 6 years in prison

Court: Bakırköy 2. Criminal Court, Istanbul

Case Background: 

Çağrı Sarı, an editor in the politics department of Evrensel newspaper, is accused of “insult and defamation” over two articles published in Evrensel on November 8 and 9, 2017. Sarı faces imprisonment for up to six years.

The articles, entitled “Paradise Papers”, have been presented as evidence by the prosecution in the case and relate to alleged offshore bank accounts of Energy Minister Berat Albayrak, who is also President Erdoğan’s son-in-law, and his brother Serhat Albayrak.

The case is one of many other lawsuits filed following a complaint made by the Albayrak brothers regarding several news outlets. Read related article here.

During the second hearing on June 13, the prosecution claimed that the newspaper’s publication of the same topic two days in a row implies the “creation of a certain perception”, while Sarı replied to this accusation by stressing that this is “follow-up” in journalism, and is not a crime.

The case has been adjourned until November 28, due to the judge’s being on leave. At this time, a new judge was appointed.  During the hearing on November 28, Sarı’s defense lawyer requested more time to prepare their case, which was granted. This time will be used to prepare and submit a written statement as well as a translation of the documents comprising the Paradise Papers case.

Neither Sarı nor the Albayrak brothers were present at the hearing but were represented by their legal counsels. The fifth hearing took place on February 19, 2019. The court rule to defense statement to be examined and adjourned the next hearing to March 19, 11.50 am.