'Marilyn Monroe from Mardin was sentenced to 1 year and 3 months in prison

Provincial Police Department teams launched an investigation on the allegation that Melek Karahan, known as 'Marilyn Monroe from Mardin', shared posts on her virtual media account that are considered to contain criminal elements regarding FETO's coup attempt on July 15, 2016.

Karahan, who was detained on July 17, was sent to the courthouse after his procedures at the police station. Karahan, who was taken to the court on duty after the prosecutor's interrogation, was arrested on the charge of "publicly disseminating misleading information to the public".

At the first hearing held on September 22 at the 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance of Mardin Courthouse, an opinion was given on the merits of Karahan to punish him within the scope of Articles 217/A and 218 of the Turkish Penal Code.

Karahan, who attended the hearing via Audio and Video Information System (SEGBİS) from the prison where he was detained, stated that he regretted it and requested to be tried without detention. The court decided to release Karahan and postponed the hearing.

DECISION HEARING

The undetained defendant Melek Karahan and her lawyer Elif Narin Dursun attended the decision hearing regarding the case held today at the Mardin 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance. Karahan requested his acquittal at the hearing. The court sentenced Karahan to 1 year and 3 months in prison for "publicly disseminating misleading information".

'THE DECISION IS AGAINST THE LAW'

After the hearing, Karahan's lawyer Elif Narin Dursun made a statement to journalists. Dursun said, "In the trial held at Mardin 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance, a decision was made to punish our client in accordance with Article 217 of the Turkish Penal Code. This decision is against the law. As the defense, it is not possible for us to accept this decision. Our client only exercised his freedom of expression. An appeal against this decision is open. We will appeal the decision. We are following the legal process closely."

'I DO NOT ACCEPT THE ACCUSE'

Karahan said, "I have always tried to be helpful to Mardin. I do not accept the accusation, both regarding stray animals and environmental planning. I did not share that post to commit a crime."