Joint Statement by International Observers of Proceedings in the Cumhuriyet Trial
Representatives from international free expression groups and professional journalist organizations observed proceedings in Istanbul this week in the criminal trial of 17 journalists and executives from the newspaper Cumhuriyet.
We reviewed the indictment ahead of trial and delegates were present in court as the journalists and executives defended themselves against accusations that they supported terrorists and violated their managerial duties to the newspaper.
We found defence arguments that the case relies on weak evidence cherry-picked to support a predetermined theory credible. At best, testimony from the journalists and executives strongly suggests that authorities failed to conduct a proper investigation.
Defence…
