The third hearing of the trial of Kurdish journalist Aziz Oruç, who was detained in Doğubayazıt district of Ağrı and arrested on 18 December 2019, was held at the Ağrı 2nd High Criminal Court.

Oruç, who was tried for "membership of an illegal organization" and "making propaganda for a terrorist organization" attended the hearing through SEGBİS from Patnos L Type Closed Prison. Oruç's lawyers also attended the hearing.

Journalist Oruç said: "I was caught in Iran and Armenia and I asked to be sent to Turkey by legal means. They did not meet my requests. I had to come to Turkey my own way. Because I crossed the border illegally, a lawsuit was filed against me for being a member of an illegal organization. How is it that crossing the border illegally is accepted as a reason for accusing someone of membership of an illegal organization? I have been a journalist for years. In Ankara, Bingöl, Diyarbakır and Van. Finally, I was a journalist in Hewler. These are all my activities. I am a journalist and a Kurd. Neither of these are crimes."

Oruç and his lawyers demanded the release from prison.

The prosecutor requested the continuation of his detention.

The court board however decided to release Aziz Oruç under "judicial control". The next hearing has been postponed to 16 April 2021.