German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yücel was released from detention in Istanbul on 16 February 2018 after spending approximately one year in custody without a completed indictment.
Yücel, a correspondent for the German newspaper Die Welt, had been accused of propaganda for a terrorist organisation and inciting hatred—allegations he denied. On the day of his release, a court accepted an indictment seeking a sentence of up to eighteen years and ordered that he be tried without remaining in prison.
The case had become a major obstacle in relations between Turkey and Germany. German officials repeatedly pressed for due process and his release, while Ankara insisted that the judiciary operated independently. Yücel left Turkey after being freed.
Press-freedom organisations welcomed his release but stressed that other journalists remained imprisoned and that the charges against him had not disappeared. The same day, four other Turkish journalists received life sentences in a separate case, underscoring the contradictory picture facing the media.
Yücel’s release eased one prominent diplomatic dispute, but it did not resolve wider concerns over prolonged pre-trial detention, expansive terrorism accusations and the condition of independent journalism under emergency rule.
Sources
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
