Media Ethics Board Urges Respect for Presumption of Innocence in Reporting on Kyrenia Incident

In a press release, the Board recalled reports about the event in Kyrenia Kordonboyu, where two individuals allegedly refused to pay their bill, responded to warnings with verbal abuse and physical assault, damaging a police officer’s phone and breaking another officer’s finger. The suspects were arrested and brought to court.

The Board criticized media reports for portraying police statements as the absolute truth, blurring the line between allegations and facts. It stressed that police accounts are only claims and “should not be presented as definitive truth until the judicial process is complete; the information must not be shared in a way that creates a perception of certainty in the reader’s mind.”

The statement also cited Article 15 of the TRNC Constitution: “No one shall be considered guilty until proven so by law.” Referring to journalistic ethics principles, the Board urged media outlets to respect these standards.

“Media organizations must honor the presumption of innocence and avoid publishing materials that declare anyone guilty before a court verdict. In ongoing trials, allegations and defenses should be reported fairly and balanced,” the statement said.

The Board warned that publishing suspects’ names or presenting police claims as established facts before final court rulings could violate personal rights and cause irreversible harm.

It concluded by calling on all journalists and media organizations to treat reported information as allegations during ongoing judicial processes, and to use cautious, impartial language rather than accusatory tones. Protecting suspects’ anonymity was highlighted as a fundamental responsibility to uphold justice and human dignity.

The Board emphasized: “Reporting shapes society’s conscience and perspective. Avoiding prejudicial language and presenting news fairly and respectfully is not only an ethical duty but also essential for social harmony. We invite the press to respect the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial, remembering that facts presented in court are only allegations until proven.”