Amnesty International Demands Immediate Release of Journalist Merdan Yanardağ, Citing Lack of Evidence

The international human rights organization Amnesty International has voiced strong condemnation of the ongoing detention of journalist Merdan Yanardağ, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. Yanardağ faces charges of "political espionage" under Article 328/1 of the Turkish Penal Code, a charge Amnesty International deems baseless and politically motivated.

According to Ruhat Sena Akşener, Director of Amnesty International Turkey, the indictment is fundamentally flawed, lacking any substantial evidence to support the claims of obtaining state secrets. The case appears to hinge significantly on the "repentance testimony" of a co-defendant, Hüseyin Gün, a tactic Amnesty International argues is insufficient grounds for such a severe charge and prolonged detention.

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This unjust detention must end immediately, and he must be released unconditionally.

Furthermore, Amnesty International links Yanardağ's case to a broader pattern of suppressing dissent and independent media in Turkey. The recent intervention by the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) in appointing a trustee to the company owning Tele 1, Yanardağ's affiliated media outlet, and the subsequent move to sell the channel, are seen as further evidence of the shrinking space for critical voices. This situation is deeply concerning for press freedom advocates globally, who view it as another instance of the state tightening its grip on information.

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There is no concrete evidence in the indictment that any information of a state secret nature was obtained.