Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court acquits detained journalist Ağırel of slander charges

Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance has acquitted detained journalist Murat Ağırel, a SözcüTV program host and Cumhuriyet newspaper columnist, in a slander case brought against him. The case was opened based on a report titled 'Drugs found in YÖK vehicle' that Ağırel wrote on March 7, 2024. During the hearing, the prosecutor stated in their opinion on the merits that Ağırel should be acquitted; the court upheld this request and issued an acquittal ruling.

Ağırel, currently detained at Kandıra 2 Type F Prison, was unable to physically attend the hearing. The journalist participated in the trial via the Voice and Image Information Technology System (SEGBİS) from the prison, monitoring the proceedings electronically. Ağırel's detention continues under different cases.