Turkish court sentences woman to 7.5 months in prison for 'insulting public' in street interview, postpones ruling

Cihan Başakçıoğlu / Gazete Duvar

The first hearing in the trial of Dilruba Kayserilioğlu, who was detained in Turkey’s western Izmir province for remarks made during a street interview and later released, took place on Sept. 3 at the Izmir Courthouse. 

The case involved charges of “inciting or insulting the public to hatred and hostility.” Kayserilioğlu and her attorneys attended the hearing, which was also observed by representatives of various political parties, civil society organizations, and women’s groups. The session began with the reading of the indictment, after which the court played the street interview that is central to the case.

During her testimony, Kayserilioğlu admitted that the statements were hers but she had no intention of inciting hatred or hostility. She asserted that her remarks fell within the scope of freedom of expression, explaining, “I offered personal critiques in response to questions about bans. My comments aimed to highlight what could happen when a certain idea is supported without understanding its consequences. I did not target any specific party, person, or organization.”

Kayserilioğlu’s attorney, Hüseyin Yıldız, argued that his client was targeted by troll accounts immediately after the street interview, leading to her arrest following a statement by the head of the Radio and Television Supreme Council RTÜK. 

He emphasized that the Turkish Constitution guarantees freedom of expression to all citizens, including Kayserilioğlu. “My client exercised her right to critique, just like any other Turkish citizen. She expressed her thoughts without targeting anyone specifically,” Yıldız said. He also noted that Kayserilioğlu’s statements did not contain calls for hatred or violence and requested her acquittal.

The court ultimately acquitted Kayserilioğlu of the charge of inciting hatred and hostility but sentenced her to 7.5 months in prison for publicly insulting a segment of the population. However, the court deferred the announcement of the verdict.

After the hearing, Kayserilioğlu addressed the media outside the courthouse, stating, “Our attorneys will appeal this decision. I believe I am innocent.”

Attorney Hüseyin Yıldız also commented on the ruling, stating, “Our legal battle will continue until this verdict is overturned and becomes an acquittal. We believe our client is innocent and should not be punished under her constitutional rights. We will continue this fight.”

Kayserilioğlu was arrested on Aug. 12 for 18 days, charged with "inciting hatred and enmity among the public" and “insulting the Turkish President."

The court released her upon an appeal, without properly informing either her parents or lawyers. Mother Kayserilioğlu noted that Dilruba contacted them late in the evening with the help of a stranger, after being irregularly discharged from prison. 

The street interview format has been on the radar of RTÜK President Ebubekir Şahin prior to Kayserilioğlu's arrest. Şahin recently announced that new regulations would be introduced regarding street interviews broadcast on YouTube. 

“Street interviews will be regulated. They will have to be careful. They will not be able to slander or give false information. Those who make news and programs on YouTube will also have to obtain a license from RTÜK,” Şahin stated.

 (English version by Ayşenaz Toptaş)