News Center- Journalist Beritan Canözer was detained in house raids conducted on April 25 in 21 cities as part of an investigation launched by the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor's Office over the statements of a witness named Ümit Akbıyık. On June 23, Beritan Canözer was released pending the trial.

The first hearing of the trial was held today by the Diyarbakır 10th High Criminal Court. Beritan Canözer and her lawyer Muharrem Erbey were present at the hearing while Ümit Akbıyık attended the hearing through Audio-Visual Information System (SEGBİS).

In her defense, Beritan Canözer said that she did not know Ümit Akbıyık and that she heard that he was a member of the HDP Youth Assembly.

“We become the voices of women and children”

She added, “My articles are again considered as a crime in the indictment. The sources of these articles are known. I am a well-known journalist doing this profession without hiding. I have previously stood trial and acquitted for my reports. I am a journalist reporting on women and children. We become the voices of women and children victims of femicide, gender-based violence, harassment and rape. I deny all accusations against me.”

After her defense, the prosecutor demanded a prison sentence of up to 15 years against Beritan Canözer on charges of “membership in a terrorist organization”. The next hearing will be held on December 8.