Defendants: Çiğdem Toker

Media Outlet and Position: Cumhuriyet, Sözcü – Journalist

Accusations: Defamation

Possible sentence: Fine of 50.000 TL for moral recompensation

Court: Ankara 20. Civil Court

Case Background: 

Çiğdem Toker, a former columnist for the independent newspaper Cumhuriyet, is charged with defamation following a complaint by the general directorate of Turkish post (PTT). The charges focused specifically on Toker’s reporting in an article titled “PTT’s privileged subcontractor,” which was published in Cumhuriyet on April 22, 2018.

The PTT has sued Toker for defamation, demanding 50.000 Turkish Liras in reparations. During the hearing on April 25, 2019, Toker’s lawyer requested case dismissal, arguing that requirements for reparations are not met since the article is based on the Great Assembly reports. The court decided to seek info on Toker’s financial situation and adjourned the hearing till June 11.

Toker is subject to several other ongoing defamation cases for her critical, investigative reporting in Turkey.