MÊRDÎN - The prosecutor's office, which decided not to prosecute the investigation initiated against journalist Ahmet Kanbal on the allegation of "terrorist organization propaganda" due to his publications in the earthquake region, decided to file a criminal complaint on the allegation of "spreading misleading information to the public"

 

In the investigation launched by the Mardin Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reporter Ahmet Kanbal, citing the live broadcast programs he attended during the Mereş-centered earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023, on the grounds of  “terrorist organization propaganda", it was decided that "there is no need for prosecution". In addition to the "non-prosecution" decision given in the investigation initiated against Kanbal on the allegation of "terrorist organization propaganda", it was decided to file a criminal complaint with the allegation of "publicly disseminating misleading information to the public" within the scope of the TCK-217/A article, known to the public as the "disinformation law" due to the allegations made against him.

 

LIVE CONNECTION WAS GIVEN AS A REASON

 

 In the decision made regarding the investigation initiated by the Mardin Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was stated that: "After the earthquakes centered in Pazarcık/Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation against the suspect for the crime of 'making propaganda for a terrorist organization' after it was determined that he made a live connection from the earthquake area."

 

As a result of the investigation, it was stated that Kanbal's live broadcast connection from the earthquake zone "was not a hate speech or movement that would provoke an environment suitable for violence" and that it did not constitute the elements of the crime of "terrorist organizational propaganda".

 

Prosecutor's Office stated that it is possible to re-examine the file if new evidence is obtained on the subject, it was decided to file a criminal complaint against Kanbal in accordance with Article 217/A of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).