Statement emerges from Murat Ağırel, detained for article he did not write

Cumhuriyet newspaper columnist Murat Ağırel's statement at police headquarters has been leaked to the public following his detention on grounds of an article he did not write, in connection with an investigation targeting the Sarıgül family.

Ağırel was asked two questions during interrogation. According to the allegations of complainant Sinan Çampınar—who did not come to Turkey to give a statement—materials he had handed over to Ağırel could have been learned by Mustafa Sarıgül within a short time. Çampınar's partner Kai Precat alleged that Ağırel had passed this information on to Sarıgül.

Ağırel denied both allegations. "I do not produce, and did not produce, unsubstantiated and unverified news," he said, and noted that he had said he would give the Sarıgüls a right of reply. Ağırel stated that at most he could be a witness in this file.

In the previous application of Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, journalists tried in 2022 had struggled with lengthy court proceedings. This time the process unfolded through a different channel: Ağırel was detained not because of journalistic activity itself, but on the basis of an action he allegedly did not take. He gave a police statement before being released with an electronic bracelet on his ankle.