ANKARA - Ankara Public Prosecutor has demanded up to 10 and half years for Artı TV Ankara Representative Sibel Hürtaş for her coverages during the attacks of Turkish army and its backed groups on Afrin.

 

Artı TV Ankara Representative Sibel Hürtaş made an interview with AK Party former MP Ahmet Faruk Ünsal and HDP former MP Osman Baydemir during her special broadcast for ARTI TV on January 23. During the program, Sibel shared the posts on social media and she was taken into custody on January 24. After being held in custody for four days, she was released under judicial control and an investigation was opened against her.

 

According to news written by T 24, the indictment prepared against Sibel and 11 people for their posts on social media about the attacks on Afrin by the Ankara Public Prosecutor has been accepted.

 

The indictment has regarded the AK Party former MP Ahmet Faruk Ünsal’s words saying, “We should ask why Turkey is uncomfortable about Afrin while Afrin is a safe and peaceful place” during Sibel’s interview as a crime factor.

 

 Sibel has faced up to three years in prison on charges of “inciting people to hatred and hostility” and up to seven and half years in prison on charges of “propagandizing for a (terrorist) organization through media”.

 

‘I will continue to do journalism’

 

Sibal has made a statement on the indictment and she stated that the attitude of the prosecutor was an important bow to the press and the freedom of expression. Saying that she will stand trial for her journalism, Sibel said, “I will continue to do journalism within the framework of ethics of the press.”

 

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has launched a campaign for Sibel.

 

 A case opened against 12 people

 

Ankara Public Prosecutor has also opened a case against Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reporter Hayri Demir within the scope of the same investigation. Hayri has faced up to 10 and half years in prison for his posts on social media about the attacks on Afrin.

 

A case has been also opened against 10 other people within the scope of the same investigation.