Currently held in Erzincan Women’s Closed Prison, journalist Öznur Değer is being prosecuted over her social media posts. In the indictment, murdered journalists Nazım Daşdan and Cihan Bilgin are listed as “organization members,” and a photo of her brother, Abdulselam Değer (Kendal Qoser), was used as evidence against her. The hearing, scheduled for tomorrow, is expected to draw close attention from many observers, including the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association (MKG), the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG), the Human Rights Association (IHD), the Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD), and numerous others.

In a message sent ahead of the hearing, journalist Öznur Değer described her arrest and prosecution as a politically motivated act of retaliation and said: "This case belongs to every journalist who defends women’s struggle and professional dignity. At a time when women are being targeted in every area of life and subjected to all forms of male violence, defending a principled stance as a woman is essential for all women. I was arrested not because of my identity as a journalist, but because of my identity as a woman, after reacting to the sexist remarks of a police officer from the Mardin Police Department.

This arrest was the result of an act of revenge. This is not an isolated case. It concerns every woman who defends feminist values and integrity, and every journalist who upholds the honor of their profession. That is why I believe it is a matter of conscience for everyone who takes a stand against sexism and moral corruption to be present at this hearing. I would like to once again thank everyone who has shown solidarity, especially women and fellow journalists. With the hope that on May 22, we will sow the seeds of peace together on these sacred lands, in a free, peaceful future for this country... With love and respect."