Journalist Ali Çağatay acquitted in Istanbul court

Journalist Ali Çağatay has been acquitted of two charges by the Istanbul 5th Criminal Court of First Instance. The charges, which included ‘publicly spreading misleading information’ and ‘insulting state institutions or organs,’ stemmed from a social media post regarding the alleged kidnapping and torture of Erhan Karaal, a Deputy General Manager at Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Culture Inc.

Çağatay, a veteran journalist who has worked for major outlets such as Hürriyet, Radikal, and Habertürk, had been detained for approximately three months before being released under judicial control. During the trial, Çağatay defended his right to report, arguing that while some journalists may spread misinformation, such errors should not be attributed to the entire profession. Despite a prosecutor's request for a conviction on the grounds that the post exceeded the limits of freedom of expression, the court ruled in favor of acquittal. The court also noted that Çağatay retains the right to seek compensation.