Ali Kişmir’s Trial Adjourned to January 16

The case stems from a social media article published by Kişmir in 2020, which allegedly defamed the Security Forces Command (GKK). During the preliminary inquiry hearing, the court heard testimony from Police Inspector Durmuş Aydın, the third and final witness in the case.

Inspector Aydın, who has served in the police force for 13 years and was stationed at the Criminal Investigation Department in 2020, stated that he was assigned to investigate the matter on August 24, 2020. He explained that he sought expert opinions from universities, including LAÜ, UKÜ, YDÜ, and DAÜ, as well as the Ministry of National Education and Culture, to determine if the article contained defamatory content.

Aydın detailed the timeline of responses received from these institutions and the subsequent preparation of a report, which he submitted to the Attorney General's Office for review. He noted that while awaiting the Attorney General's opinion, he was transferred to the Güzelyurt Police Directorate, where another officer, Inspector Ali Çoban, took over the investigation.

During cross-examination, Aydın confirmed that the Security Forces Command was the complainant in the case. When asked by defense lawyer Hasan Esendağlı if the article contained any explicit defamatory terms, Aydın responded, "No." Esendağlı also pointed out that the complainant and the investigating body appeared to be intertwined, as the police organization is established under Law 51/88, which includes the Security Forces Command.

Prosecutor Hasan Boşnak argued that sufficient evidence exists to refer the case to the High Criminal Court. Defense lawyer Esendağlı, on the other hand, suggested that the provision carrying a 10-year sentence should be reviewed by the Constitutional Court and requested a postponement.

Judge Zehra Yalkut Bilgeç adjourned the case to January 16, 2025, to continue the preliminary inquiry process.

Ali Kişmir is being tried for allegedly “defaming and insulting the moral integrity” of the Security Forces Command through his article exposing alleged interference during the 2020 presidential elections.