Defendants: Ceren Sözeri

Media Outlet and Position: Evrensel Newspaper – Journalist

Accusations: Defamation

Possible sentence: 200.000 Turkish Liras (Compensation)

Court: İstanbul Civil Commercial Court

Case Background: 

Ceren Sözeri, a columnist for independent Evrensel newspaper, faces charges of “defamation” on the complaint of Serhat Albayrak, executive of pro-government Turkuaz Media Group and brother of Erdoğan’s son-in-law Berat Albayrak. Both Sözeri and Evrensel are facing a monetary fine of up to 200.000 Turkish Liras as compensation over Sözeri’s article titled “Who made AKP lose votes?”.

The first hearing on March 4, 2020  was adjourned to October 7, 2002 due to the judge being on leave.