An investigation has been opened against Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reporter Zeynep Durgut over her report on the cutting of trees in the Êzidî village of Kiwex, located in the Hezex (İdil) district of Şirnex (Şırnak).

 

On 23 June 2025, trees belonging to villagers were allegedly cut down on lands at the entrance of the village due to the planned construction of a police outpost. Following Zeynep Durgut’s report titled “Tree massacre for the construction of a police outpost in an Êzidî village,” an investigation was initiated after the district administration of HÜDA-PAR in Midyat filed a complaint with the Midyat Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

 

Zeynep Durgut went to the 2 April Police Station in the İpekyolu district of Van, accompanied by her lawyer, and gave a statement. She confirmed that the report in question belonged to her and said she had fulfilled her duty as a journalist.

 

“As a journalist, my job is to inform the public,” she said, adding that she does not accept the accusations directed at her.

 

Her lawyer Veysi Atay stated that the report should be evaluated within the scope of informing the public and freedom of expression. Atay noted that, according to the Turkish Penal Code, the crime in question requires the presence of a clear and imminent danger, and therefore the elements of the alleged offense had not been formed.

 

Following the completion of her statement procedures, Zeynep Durgut left the police station.