Journalist Magden Acquitted

Internationally recognized novelist and journalist Perihan Magden has been acquitted by an Istanbul court on charges of “discouraging people from military service” in a 2005 magazine article she wrote.

Istanbul’s 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance concluded that Magden’s article titled “Conscientious Objection is a Human Right” published in a December 2005 issue of the weekly “Yeni Aktuel” magazine, was in the scope of severe criticism where she had used her freedom to express and disseminate her opinions. The verdict said legal conditions of an offence had not taken place.

Charges against Magden, demanding her 3 years imprisonment, were raised by the Istanbul Procutor’s Office acting under an application made by the Chief of General Staff Judicial Office.

The indictment against her said "when the geographical conditions of our country are taken into account, it is evident how important compulsory military service is” and accused Magden of discouraging the people from committing themselves to that compulsory service. (TK/II/YE)