Kişmir was represented by Hasan Esendağlı, President of the Cyprus Turkish Bar Association at the Nicosia District Court.
*Journalist Ali Kişmir is facing charges over a critical article he wrote in 2020 regarding the political situation in North Cyprus and Turkey’s influence. His article allegedly “insulted” the Turkish Cypriot security forces, leading to accusations of “insulting and mocking” them, which could carry a prison sentence of up to ten years. His defence has argued that this prosecution is an attempt to curb press freedom and suppress critical voices within the Turkish Cypriot community.
The International and European Federations of Journalists have expressed support for Kişmir, emphasising the need to protect freedom of expression and warning that such cases reflect broader attempts to extend Turkey’s repressive stance toward the press into North Cyprus. The trial has now been postponed until November 14, while advocates continue to call for the charges to be dropped to uphold press freedom and democratic principles. [Ed.]
