Journalist testifies over 'extra' report, calls situation 'tragicomedy'

Journalist Timur Soykan appeared at the Istanbul Courthouse to testify regarding a news report about the alleged transportation of "extras" to a CHP membership event. The report, which stated that individuals were brought to a July 25 event in Sarıyer via a casting agency for 950 lira, had previously led to a criminal complaint filed by CHP Istanbul Provincial Chairman Gürsel Tekin against media outlets.

Soykan, speaking to reporters after his testimony, asserted that the news was "entirely accurate" and confirmed by all witnesses. He highlighted the "tragicomedy" of journalists having to testify for reporting factual information, especially after Tekin had initially denied the report's veracity and accused the journalist of defamation.

Previously, BirGün newspaper reporter Ebru Çelik and internet site coordinators Berkant Gültekin and Uğur Koç, along with Sözcü TV reporter Nedim Bayhan, had also given statements. Soykan indicated that other prominent journalists, such as Uğur Dündar and Fatih Altaylı, might also be summoned. The situation underscores the challenges faced by journalists in Turkey when reporting on sensitive political matters.

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It has become clear that the news was entirely true. The news was confirmed by all witnesses. Journalists in Turkey can be forced to testify for completely true news. I also gave my statement. I guess Uğur Dündar and Fatih Altaylı were also called to testify. Gürsel Tekin claimed this scandal was a lie and that he was slandered. He even accused the journalist with very ugly expressions and filed a criminal complaint here. However, in the end, it turned out that he was lying, and his claims of 'slander' and 'conspiracy' did not reflect the truth. Actually, it is a truly tragicomic situation that journalists have to testify for completely true news.