The International Press Institute (IPI), a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists for press freedom, expressed profound dismay over today’s decision by Turkey’s Supreme Court of Cassation upholding a nearly nine-year jail sentence given to journalist Nedim Türfent.

Türfent, a Kurdish reporter at the now-banned Dicle News Agency (DİHA), was arrested in the eastern city of Van on May 13, 2016, and has been behind bars ever since. In December 2017, he was sentenced to eight years and nine months in prison on charges of membership of a terrorist organization based on evidence consisting of his journalistic work. Türfent’s detention and trial were marred by egregious violations of due process – Türfent was denied the right to appear personally in court – as well as allegations that witness statements were extracted under torture.