12/02/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
The Kaos GL Association has issued a call for the second hearing, to be held on February 23, of the case in which Yıldız Tar was detained for four months.
Kaos GL Editor-in-Chief Yıldız Tar is being tried in a case opened as part of the investigation conducted against the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK). The second hearing of the case, in which Tar is accused of "membership in an armed organization," will be held on Monday, February 23 at 14:15 at the Ankara 17th High Criminal Court.
The case, which is significant for press freedom and freedom of expression, is also being closely monitored in the context of judicial pressure on LGBTI+ media and rights-based journalism. Halit Elçi from Siyasi Haber, who is being tried in the same file as Tar, will also appear before the judge for the second time.
Yıldız Tar was detained for approximately four months
Yıldız Tar was taken into custody from their home in Ankara on February 18 on charges of "membership in an armed organization" within the scope of the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK) investigation. On February 21, 30 people, including Tar, were arrested. Tar, who was held in Marmara Prison in Silivri for approximately four months, was released on May 30.
During the detention process, Tar was referred directly to arrest without even having their statement taken by the prosecutor's office; the justification for the arrest was cited as "intense participation in HDK meetings."
What is in the indictment?
The 153-page indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office accuses individuals, including Yıldız Tar, of "membership in an armed terrorist organization." In the indictment, meetings, congresses, statements, and assembly activities related to the HDK are characterized as "organizational" activities.
The evidence includes public press statements, panel participation, association meetings, and social media posts.
The indictment also criminalizes Tar's journalistic activities. Phone conversations Tar held with reporters in 2021 and 2013, as well as field updates provided to the editor during news coverage, are evaluated as "organizational communication." In particular, a field report regarding the police intervention at the DİSK building on May 1, 2013, is interpreted by the prosecution as "organizational coordination."
However, the indictment does not contain any concrete evidence regarding Tar's connection to any armed activity.
What happened at the first hearing?
The first hearing of the case in which Yıldız Tar is being tried as part of the HDK investigation was held on October 13, 2025. The hearing was observed by numerous international representatives, MPs, press, and human rights organizations.
Explaining their journalistic activities in their defense, Tar stated that the accusations against them were based on phone records from 12–13 years ago and criticized being tried for "organization membership" based on these records. They reminded the court of judicial decisions stating that the HDK is not a terrorist organization, stated that the news coverage and field reports made within the scope of journalism were being made the subject of accusations, and demanded their acquittal.
Their lawyers emphasized that the indictment was unlawful, that the phone wiretaps placed in the file had previously been destroyed, and that there was no concrete evidence. The court lifted Tar's signature obligation, decided to continue the international travel ban, and adjourned the hearing to February 23, 2026, at 14:15.
Yıldız Tar’s case heard: Audio recordings entered as “evidence” in the indictment had been destroyed
We stand with Yıldız Tar, we will be at the Ankara Courthouse on February 23!
The Kaos GL Association issued a call for Yıldız Tar's second hearing:
"Journalism is not a crime; news coverage, civil society work, and democratic activities cannot be made the subject of a trial. Yıldız Tar’s case signifies the trial of press freedom, freedom of expression, the right to organize, and the LGBTI+ struggle. To defend rights-based journalism and to expand solidarity against unlawfulness, we are meeting at the hearing to be held at the Ankara 17th High Criminal Court on Monday, February 23 at 14:15. Yıldız Tar is not alone; we will be at the Ankara Courthouse for solidarity."
Enes Hocaoğulları's case will also be heard on the same day
The second hearing of the case filed against ÜniKuir employee and Council of Europe Youth Delegate for Turkey, Enes Hocaoğulları, will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:25, at the Ankara 86th Criminal Court of First Instance.
After being taken into custody at Ankara Esenboğa Airport on August 5, 2025, Enes Hocaoğulları was arrested the same day. After remaining in detention for 35 days, he was released with a judicial control condition requiring him to sign in once a month.
A lawsuit was filed against Enes under Article 216 of the Penal Code (inciting the public to hatred and hostility) and Article 217/A (publicly disseminating misleading information).
Release decision for Enes Hocaoğulları
Tags: human rights, media
