Istanbul – Two opposition journalists were released from jail on Friday after a Constitutional Court ruling that their detention since November was a violation of their rights, says a report.
According to the statement the pair will still face a trial on terrorism and espionage charges.
Can Dundar and Erdem Gul, editor-in-chief and correspondent of the left leaning Cumhuriyet newspaper, had reported on the alleged delivery of weapons from Turkey’s spy agency to suspected extremists in Syria.
Cumhuriyet, which reported on the release, is often critical of the Turkish government, which is headed by the Islamic-conservative Justice and Development Party (AKP).
Last year, President Recep Erdogan pledged that the journalists would pay a heavy price for their reporting and was said to have been personally involved in the case against them.
The Turkish government is a strong supporter of rebels, including hardline Islamic factions, in Syria.
Human rights groups have been sharply critical of Turkey over the prosecution of Dundar and Gul, saying their reporting was in line with journalistic norms.
Turkey ranks low on press freedom indices, and rights groups say there is an ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression. (dpa/NAN)