Columnist Rasim Ozan Kutahyali released with travel ban after misinformation probe

Columnist Rasim Ozan Kutahyali was released under judicial control with a travel ban Thursday, after being detained in the northwestern province of Bolu as part of an investigation launched by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on charges of “publicly spreading misleading information.”

The investigation was opened following Kutahyali’s social media posts on Wednesday, in which he claimed that the Republican People’s Party (CHP) would cancel its 38th Ordinary Congress and that a temporary trustee would be appointed to the party. Authorities quickly denied the claims, calling them unfounded and potentially misleading to the public.

Police took Kutahyali into custody on the Anatolian Motorway in Bolu, after a detention order was issued over the allegations. He was first taken to Bolu Izzet Baysal State Hospital for a routine medical examination before being brought to the Bolu Courthouse.

Kutahyali gave his statement to the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBIS). The office requested judicial control measures, including a travel ban. After his testimony was heard by an on-duty judge in Ankara through the same system, he was released with the travel restriction in place.

Authorities stated that Kutahyali’s claims had no factual basis and were seen as an attempt to mislead the public, prompting legal action. The posts reportedly triggered significant losses in Turkish stock futures, which are traded in night sessions.