Journalist Haşim Söylemez dies of brain cancer

Turkish journalist Haşim Söylemez has died of brain cancer in Bursa. Söylemez was a veteran reporter who specialized in security issues, conflict zones, and the Kurdish issue, having worked for Aksiyon magazine and the Zaman daily.

Following the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, Söylemez was detained as part of investigations into media outlets allegedly linked to the Gülen movement. He was sentenced to over six years in prison for membership in a terrorist organization. Due to serious health complications involving a brain tumor, he was released from detention shortly after his initial arrest in July 2016. His medical struggles included undergoing seven operations, which resulted in partial paralysis and required chemotherapy.