Former Bugün Daily Columnist Avcı Released

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Gültekin Avcı who was arrested as he was columnist for Bugün daily has been released.

Avcı being tried in Selam Tevhid case was released along with police officers M. Yasin Akyar and Sinan Karataş.

According to T24’s reports, the indictment was read in the closed hearing held by İstanbul 14th Heavy Penal Court. The court board ordering continuation of detention of other defendants, issued arrest warrant on the suspect, former İstanbul Anti-Terror Law Bureau Director, Serdar Bayraktulan. The hearing was adjourned to August 2-3-4-.

He was arrested since September

Avcı writing for Bugün daily before trustee was appointed, arrested Hidayet Karaca, the Samanyolu Broadcasting Group President was his attorney.

Avcı being taken into custody by Anti-Terror Bureau Directorate teams in İzmir on September 18, was arrested on charges of “Founding and managing armed terror organization”, “Attempting to annihilate Republic of Turkey and preventing it from carrying out its duty”, and “procuring state’s confidential information on purpose of political and military espionage”.

Avcı was arrested for nine months.

According to bianet’s Media Monitoring Report covering the months of January, February and March, the number of arrested journalists was 28. The figure has become 36. (EA/TK)