16/06/2026 | Writer: Kaos GL
The third hearing in the case against Kaos GL Editor-in-Chief and journalist Yıldız Tar, who is being prosecuted on allegations of “membership in an armed organization,” will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at 2:15 p.m. at the 17th High Criminal Court of Ankara.
Kaos GL Editor-in-Chief and journalist Yıldız Tar is standing trial in a case opened as part of an investigation targeting the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK). The third hearing in the case against Tar on allegations of “membership in an armed organization” will take place on Wednesday, June 24, at 2:15 p.m. at the 17th High Criminal Court of Ankara.
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 of Siyasi Haber, who is being tried in the same case file as Tar, will also appear in court for the third time.
Yıldız Tar was detained for approximately four months
Yıldız Tar was detained at their home in Ankara on February 18, 2025 as part of the HDK investigation on allegations of “membership in an armed organization.” Tar was among 30 people remanded in custody on February 21, 2025. After being held at Marmara Prison in Silivri for nearly four months, they were released on May 30, 2025.
During the detention process, Tar was referred directly for arrest without even being questioned by the prosecutor. The alleged justification for their detention was their “frequent participation in HDK meetings”.
What is in the indictment?
The 153-page indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses Yıldız Tar and others of “membership in an armed terrorist organization.” The indictment characterizes HDK-related meetings, congresses, statements, and assembly activities as “organizational” activities.
The evidence cited includes public press statements, participation in panels, association meetings, and social media posts.
The indictment also criminalizes Tar’s journalistic activities. Telephone conversations they had with reporters in 2013 and 2021, as well as field updates they provided to editors while covering stories, are described as “organizational communication.” In particular, a field report concerning a police intervention at the DİSK building on May 1, 2013, is interpreted by prosecutors as “organizational coordination.”
However, the indictment contains no concrete evidence linking Tar to any armed activity.
What happened at the first hearing?
The first hearing in the case against Yıldız Tar under the HDK investigation was held on October 13, 2025. The hearing was attended by numerous international representatives, members of parliament, media organizations, and human rights groups.
In their defense, Tar described their journalistic activities and noted that the accusations against them were based on telephone records dating back 12-13 years. They criticized being prosecuted for “membership in an organization” on the basis of those records. Tar also recalled court decisions finding that HDK is not a terrorist organization, argued that their news reporting and field updates had been turned into criminal accusations, and requested acquittal.
Their lawyers argued that the indictment was unlawful, that the wiretap records included in the case file had previously been destroyed, and that there was no concrete evidence against them. The court lifted Tar’s signature requirement, maintained the travel ban, and adjourned the hearing until February 23, 2026, at 2:15 p.m.
Yıldız Tar’s case heard: Audio recordings entered as “evidence” in the indictment had been destroyed
What happened at the second hearing?
The second hearing in the case against Yıldız Tar under the HDK investigation was held on February 23, 2026. The hearing was attended by numerous international representatives, members of parliament, media organizations, and human rights groups.
The panel of judges asked the defendants and their lawyers whether they wished to make any additional submissions. The defendants and their lawyers stated that they would not present further arguments.
Tar and Elçi requested the lifting of the travel bans imposed on them. Lawyer Veysel Ok stated:
“Yıldız is a well-known journalist and civil society worker. They need to travel abroad as part of their profession. We request the complete removal of all judicial control measures.”
The prosecutor requested that the outstanding deficiencies in the case file be addressed and that the judicial control measures remain in place.
The court ordered that an official inquiry be sent regarding Hasan Bat, who is mentioned in the indictment, and that information be requested from the Anti-Terror Branch (TEM). It also ruled that the travel bans imposed on the defendants would remain in effect and adjourned the hearing until June 24, 2026, at 2:15 p.m.
The trial of Yıldız Tar is postponed: The next hearing is on June 24!
Tags: human rights, media, life, lgbti
