Turkish journalist released in terror case

Duruoğlu was arrested 10 months ago after an armed clash erupted in the Bostancı neighborhood on the Anatolian side of Istanbul between police and Orhan Yılmazkaya, a member of the illegal Devrimci Karargah organization (Revolutionary Headquarters). Duruoğlu and Yılmazkaya were university classmates, and they met once before the clash. Duruoğlu's arrest led to claims that there was a lack of concrete evidence proving allegations that she was a member of the organization.

The first case hearing was held Tuesday, 10 months after the clash. Managers, editors and other staff of daily Vatan were present at the courthouse to show solidarity with Duruoğlu.

In her defense during the hearing, Duruoğlu said Yılmazkaya was an individual presenting himself as an author and working in a publishing house, daily Vatan reported.

Duruoğlu said she had not seen Yılmazkaya for 20 years, but then they met twice, once for lunch and another time when Yılmazkaya asked for her help to promote his book.

/Hurriyet Daily News/