A Turkish court partially eased restrictions on several journalists Thursday facing charges related to their reporting on alleged irregularities surrounding an expert witness in a case involving Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. While travel bans where lifted for the defendants, the court mandated the compulsory appearance of the expert witness, Satılmış Büyükcanayakın, at the next hearing on Febuary 13, continuing a legal battle that has drawn scrutiny from press freedom advocates and highlighted concerns over judicial independence [[1]]. The case stems from allegations that Büyükcanayakın’s impartiality was compromised in rulings against the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.
Journalists’ ‘Expert Witness’ Case Sees Travel Ban Lifted, Compulsory Appearance Ordered
A Turkish court has lifted a travel ban for several journalists involved in a case stemming from comments made by Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu regarding an expert witness. The decision comes as the case, which centers on allegations of improperly obtained and published recordings, continues to unfold.
During the fourth hearing of the case on January 14, 2026, the court also ordered the compulsory appearance of Satılmış Büyükcanayakın, the expert witness at the center of the controversy. The move underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his role in previous legal proceedings.
Journalist Kürşad Oğuz stated that the travel ban had become “a punishment” for him, noting that a year had passed since the case began and that the core of the allegations concerned journalistic activity.
Suat Toktaş, who was detained for 34 days as part of the investigation, argued in court that the case lacked merit. “The subject of this trial is the publication of an unauthorized recording. When Barış Pehlivan called, he identified himself. How can we claim the recording was unauthorized under these circumstances?” Toktaş said. He also criticized the complainant for failing to appear at any of the four hearings, suggesting a lack of good faith.
Seda Selek’s lawyer, Buse Şahin, requested the removal of the judicial control measures imposed on her client. The prosecution, however, requested that the existing measures remain in place while further investigation is conducted.
The court agreed to lift the travel ban for all defendants and ordered Büyükcanayakın to appear at the next hearing, scheduled for February 13 at 1:30 p.m. local time.
The Case Against the Journalists
The legal proceedings were initiated after İmamoğlu publicly questioned the impartiality of Büyükcanayakın, alleging that he had been appointed as an expert witness in cases targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and other local governments.
İmamoğlu, at the time, stated, “As long as you have skilled expert witnesses like Mr. Satılmış, and judges who can pinpoint them from among thousands, you might believe you can carry around large surprises in your briefcase.”
Following İmamoğlu’s statements, journalist Barış Pehlivan was detained on January 28, 2025, after police raided the Halk TV building. Seda Selek and Serhan Asker, also Halk TV program hosts, were subsequently placed under investigation.
Pehlivan, Oğuz, and Toktaş were initially held in custody, facing accusations of illegally recording and publishing conversations, and attempting to influence the judiciary. Selek and Asker were released under judicial control.
Toktaş was ultimately remanded in custody, while Pehlivan and Oğuz were released with restrictions, including a travel ban and a requirement to sign in with authorities regularly.
Details from the Indictment
The indictment against Pehlivan and Oğuz seeks prison sentences of between six and 14 years on charges of illegally recording private conversations, attempting to influence the judiciary, and publishing those recordings.
Toktaş, Selek, and Asker face potential sentences of four to nine years on similar charges.
The indictment also includes a statement from Büyükcanayakın, who claimed he was subjected to a smear campaign after İmamoğlu’s public remarks. He asserted that he had never engaged in any unlawful activities and had served as an expert witness in 24 cases involving CHP-led municipalities.
