Bakırköy Chief Prosecutor's Office Seeks 4 Years 6 Months Prison for AKUT Founder Nasuh Mahruki

Quick summary

The Bakırköy Chief Prosecutor's Office has sought 4 years and 6 months imprisonment for AKUT founder Nasuh Mahruki over a social media post made on July 15. Mahruki was detained on July 17.

Why it matters

The charge in this case (inciting public hatred and hostility) is frequently applied in social media-related cases in Türkiye, with sentences ranging between 1 and 3 years. The detention of a prominent search and rescue leader draws attention to the legal consequences of social media posts.

Key takeaways

• ›The prosecutor's office requested that Mahruki's sentence be increased by half on the grounds that the crime was committed through press and broadcast media.
• ›In Türkiye, sentences imposed under this charge since 2016 have ranged between 1 and 3 years.
• ›Mahruki led dozens of search and rescue operations, particularly the 1999 Marmara earthquake.
• ›The investigation proceeded until two days after Mahruki's detention, with the arrest taking place on July 17.