ISTANBUL - Journalist Hazal Ocak who stood trial for allegation of "insulting"  Berat Albayrak (Minister of Finance and Treasury ) for reporting that he bought a new land near Kanal İstanbul route, is acquitted.

 

The final hearing of the trial filed against Cumhuriyet Daily News reporter Hazal Ocak on January 20 for alleged "insulting Berat Albayrak through press means "for her article titled, 'The groom knows his job' was held today.

 

Hazal, who made a defense at the hearing held at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance, said that she reported the news within the scope of journalism activity to inform the public opinion, not to insult.

 

Hazal added that the elements in her report  are within the limits of criticism.

 

The prosecutor said, "As a requirement of pluralist democracy, people are free access to information, their positive and negative opinions are closely related to freedom of expression," and demanded the acquittal of Hazal, who was tried for "insulting" Minister Berat Albayrak.

 

The court has acquitted Hazal.