Five trials against journalistes concluded in heavy sentences

Five trials against journalistes concluded in heavy sentences 

In spite of the claims that Turkey respects the freedom of expression,
Turkish courts continue to condemn journalistes to heavy punishments.
Five different cases launched in connection with the news appeared on
the daily Ozgür Gündem were concluded on 22 November at Istanbul SSC.
The owner of the daily Ali Çelik Kasimogullari was sentenced to a fine
of TL 1 billion 752 million and the editor-in-chief of the daily
Mehmet Çolak was sentenced to a fine of TL 876 million in connection
with two news appeared on the daily on 19 May.

Another case launched in connection with the news titled "KADEK: Let
Mayors be Mediators" appeared on 25 May was concluded with a total
fine of 3 billion 153 million to both Çolak and Kasimogullari.

Not suspending the sentences, the court also decided the closure of
the daily for three days.

The case launched in connection with the news titled "One More Chance
to Turkey" and "KADEK: Dino is a Freedom Martyr" was also concluded
with a total fine of 3 billion 144 million to both.

The court also decided the closure of the daily for three days.
Kasimogullari and Çolak was sentenced to a total fine of 3 billion 825
million for "publishing the statements of an illegal organization" in
connection with two news appeared on 6 August.

The court also decided for the closure of the daily for three days. 

The case related to the news titled "KADEK's Demands" was concluded
with a total fine of TL 3 billion 433 million to both Çolak and
Kasimogullari and 3 days' closure of the daily. (Özgür Gündem-TIHV,
December 1, 2003)

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