Former Minister of Treasury and Finance, Berat Albayrak’s lawyer, Isa Sinan Goktas, announced that so-called journalist Mustafa Sonmez has been sentenced to pay compensation for his baseless allegations against Berat Albayrak. Goktas also stated that the amount to be collected from Sonmez in the compensation case will be donated to the ‘Turkey Martyrs’ Relatives and Veterans Solidarity Foundation’.
Goktas made the following statement on his social media account:
“In the lawsuit we filed against the so-called journalist Mustafa Sonmez for his unethical and illegal publications and social media posts regarding my client Mr. Berat Albayrak, it was determined that Sonmez’s publication did not even meet the criteria of reality, did not contain accurate information, and was not in line with press activities, and he was ruled against in terms of compensation.
“Will be donated to Turkey Martyrs’ Relatives and Veterans Solidarity Foundation”
During his tenure, my client Mr. Berat Albayrak has signed numerous projects that contribute to Turkey and serve the public interest. Due to the work he has carried out for the benefit of our country, he has been subjected to such unlawful attacks by certain circles. The articles written by Mustafa Sonmez and his ilk in this manner, which are devoid of factual basis, are essentially tools of disinformation aimed at undermining the journalist’s integrity. With the final decision of Istanbul Regional Court 4th Civil Chamber on November 13, 2024 confirming the falsehood of the news, all the amount to be collected from the so-called journalist Mustafa Sonmez will be donated to the Turkey Martyrs’ Relatives and Veterans Solidarity Foundation.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit against Mustafa Sonmez was initiated due to his continuous dissemination of false information and defamatory remarks against Berat Albayrak. Sonmez’s actions were not only unethical but also harmful to Albayrak’s reputation and integrity. The court’s decision to hold Sonmez accountable for his baseless claims sets a significant precedent in upholding the standards of journalism and responsible reporting.
Impact on Journalism Ethics
The case against Mustafa Sonmez sheds light on the importance of upholding journalism ethics and ensuring that journalists adhere to the principles of accuracy, fairness, and integrity in their reporting. By holding Sonmez accountable for his misleading and defamatory statements, the court sends a strong message to the media community that spreading false information and engaging in unethical practices will not be tolerated.
Support for Martyrs’ Families and Veterans
The decision to donate the compensation amount to the Turkey Martyrs’ Relatives and Veterans Solidarity Foundation highlights Berat Albayrak’s commitment to supporting the families of martyrs and veterans who have sacrificed for the country. By redirecting the funds towards this noble cause, Albayrak not only seeks to rectify the harm caused by Sonmez’s false allegations but also demonstrates his dedication to serving the public good and honoring the sacrifices of those who have served the nation.
