Ağırel: 'I Was Detained for a Story I Never Wrote' — Police Statement Emerges

Detained journalist Murat Ağırel argued in his statement at Istanbul Police Headquarters that he did not write an undocumented and unverified story about the Sarıgül family, and therefore could only be a witness in the investigation. While answering questions, Ağırel said: "I said I would give the Sarıgüls a right of reply; at most, I can only be a witness in this case."

Sinan Çampınar, the complainant in the investigation, suggested that the materials could have been learned by Sarıgül in a short period of time, citing his failure to come to Turkey as grounds. Çampınar's partner Kai Precat alleged that Ağırel had passed the information to Mustafa Sarıgül and that Çampınar subsequently received threats. Ağırel denied both allegations.

Sözcü reported that this was the first time in Turkey and possibly in the world that a journalist was detained for a story he did not write because he found it undocumented. Ağırel had bylined money laundering stories and books published in 2022; now he faces the same allegations.

The contents of the police statement reignited press freedom debates. It was also reported that Ağırel is subject to a house arrest decision with an electronic tag on his ankle.