Journalist Murat Ağırel has been remanded in custody by an Istanbul criminal judgeship of peace in an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. SonDakika.com described the allegation against him as unknowingly assisting an organisation.

The court process

Seventeen suspects were brought to the courthouse after police procedures. Prosecutors requested remand for 15 and judicial supervision for two. Medyascope subsequently reported that 15 were remanded and two released under supervision.

Background to the case

The investigation concerns allegations that companies were used to launder funds of unclear origin and that investment money was misused. DHA reports describe complainants submitting documents and recordings. These remain allegations, not established crimes.

What the decision means

Pretrial detention does not establish guilt. Readers should distinguish police custody, a prosecutor’s request and a judicial ruling. The sources available when this report was prepared did not contain the full reasoned decision or the complete defence submissions.