Van- The first hearing of the trial against journalist Reyhan Hacıoğlu over terrorism charges was held at the Van 2nd High Criminal Court on Friday. The hearing was monitored by the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association (Turkish: Mezopotamya Kadın Gazeteciler Derneği, MKG), the Dicle Fırat Journalists’ Association (Turkish: Dicle Fırat Gazeteciler Derneği, DFG), and many politicians.

“I have been working as a journalist for 11 years,” said Reyhan Hacıoğlu at the hearing. “I have reported on many issues; however, my reports on the Kurdish question, Kurdistan and the isolation were only included in the indictment.”

“My client is a journalist,” said Jiyan Özkaplan, lawyer of Reyhan Hacıoğlu, requesting the release of Reyhan Hacıoğlu.

The prosecutor requested Reyhan Hacıoğlu to remain in pretrial detention. The court ordered the release of Reyhan Hacıoğlu under judicial control. The next hearing is scheduled for October 9, 2025.