Mezopotamya Agency (MA) editor Sedat Yılmaz, who was sent to prison after being taken into custody in Amed on 29 April 2023 following an Ankara-based investigation and released on 14 December, appeared before the judge today, Wednesday. The second hearing of the case filed against Yılmaz was held at Diyarbakır 4th High Criminal Court. Yılmaz and his lawyers were present at the hearing. Representatives of many professional organizations also attended the hearing.

The prosecutor requested punishment for Yılmaz, who pointed out that his presence in Pirsûs (Suruç) and Kandil to follow the news was actually turned into a subject of accusation. Yılmaz presented his news to the court. Stating that the witness statements were contradictory, Yılmaz asked for his acquittal.

Yılmaz's lawyer Şule Recepoğlu said that the investigation was opened with incomplete investigation and then attempts were made to strengthen it, adding new information, such as hotel accommodation records and other journalistic activities.

Yılmaz's lawyer, Veysel Ok, said that the evidence presented by the prosecution as an accusation actually proved that Yılmaz was a journalist. Lawyer Resul Temur stated that confidential witness statements cannot be taken as basis for the verdict.

The court acquitted Yılmaz and also lifted the ban on international travel.