06.05.2026 15:11
Hadi Özışık, who was prosecuted for allegedly defaming, spreading misleading information publicly, and inciting hatred and hostility by claiming that former Esenyurt Deputy Mayor Oktay Kılıç is the brother of PKK founder Akif Kılıç, was tried. The court issued a warrant for the arrest of Özışık, who did not attend the hearing.
The trial of Hadi Özışık, who claimed that former Esenyurt Deputy Mayor Oktay Kılıç was the brother of PKK founder Akif Kılıç but later apologized stating the information was incorrect, was held yesterday at the Istanbul Anatolia 86th Criminal Court of First Instance on charges of "defamation, publicly disseminating misleading information, inciting the public to hatred and hostility."
"COULD NOT ATTEND DUE TO A MEETING IN ANKARA"
Özışık did not attend the hearing, which was also monitored by the CHP Istanbul Legal Committee. His lawyer stated that his client could not attend due to a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara and assured that he would be present at the next hearing. He also said, "My client is a journalist who has news sources; sometimes incorrect information may come from these sources. In this specific case, he published a statement based on this incorrect information, and after the plaintiff contacted him, he released a retraction video which many people watched. This shows that my client had no criminal intent and that there is no need for an additional defense."
"IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE PUBLIC WAS INCITED TO HATRED AND HOSTILITY"
Oktay Kılıç's lawyer stated, "When the defendant's publication is examined in detail, it is clear that the false information claiming my client's brother was a PKK founder was spread to an audience of 1.2 million people, and by implying that CHP had brought PKK supporters into the Municipal Council, the public was incited to hatred and hostility... Just as an apology after someone kills your father would be meaningless, the defendant's apology after damaging my client's reputation in front of 1.2 million people is also meaningless."
HEARING ADJOURNED TO SEPTEMBER 17
The court, in line with the prosecutor's request, decided to issue an arrest warrant for the defendant who failed to attend the hearing despite the summons, and adjourned the hearing to September 17.