Renowned Mountaineer Nasuh Mahruki Sentenced for Disinformation in Turkey
ISTANBUL – Nasuh Mahruki, a celebrated mountaineer and founder of Turkey’s leading search and rescue organization, AKUT, has been handed a suspended prison sentence of nearly one year for allegedly spreading disinformation. The charges stem from social media posts in which Mahruki criticized the Supreme Election Board (YSK) and voiced concerns about election security in the lead-up to Turkey’s closely contested presidential and parliamentary elections. The case highlights the increasing pressure faced by critics of the government, particularly as the government exerts greater control over online discourse.
Mahruki’s ordeal began late last year when he was taken into pretrial detention for two weeks following his online pronouncements. His posts on X (formerly Twitter) questioned the YSK’s proposed introduction of an electronic voting system, suggesting it could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. He warned of potential vote manipulation and urged citizens to be vigilant, arguing that a fraudulent election could spell the end of the Turkish Republic. The posts quickly drew the attention of authorities, leading to his arrest and subsequent investigation under Article 217 of the Turkish Penal Code, which addresses the dissemination of misleading information.
During his trial at the Istanbul 15th Penal Court of First Instance, Mahruki vehemently denied the charges, asserting that his concerns about election security were shared by numerous academics and experts. He argued that his statements constituted protected speech, reflecting his personal opinions and not deliberately misleading information. Furthermore, he contended that he had been subjected to unlawful treatment throughout the legal process and pleaded for acquittal. Despite his defense, the court found him guilty and imposed a suspended sentence of 11 months and 20 days.
This verdict arrives amidst a wider crackdown on dissent and a growing climate of fear for those who challenge the government’s narrative in Turkey. Opposition figures, journalists, academics, and activists have found themselves facing investigations, arrests, and prosecutions on various charges, including terrorism, insulting the president, and spreading disinformation. Human rights organizations and international observers have expressed deep concern over the erosion of democratic freedoms and the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in the country.
Adding to the controversy is the recently enacted "disinformation law," introduced in 2022, which criminalizes the spread of "false or misleading information" with potential prison sentences of up to three years. Critics contend that this law, along with other measures targeting digital platforms, is being instrumentalised to silence opposition voices and stifle public debate. The vaguely worded legislation provides authorities with broad discretionary powers to prosecute individuals based on their online activity, further chilling free expression and creating a climate of self-censorship. The government justifies these measures as necessary to combat the spread of harmful misinformation and protect national security.
Mahruki, a renowned figure in Turkey beyond his mountaineering achievements, is the first Turk to summit Mount Everest and complete the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. He is also a writer, photographer, and documentary filmmaker, known for his adventurous spirit and commitment to public service through AKUT. His conviction is symbolic of the challenges faced by prominent figures who dare to speak out against the government’s policies and adds to the growing list of individuals targeted for expressing dissenting views. The implications of this case extend beyond Mahruki himself and raise concerns about the future of free speech and democratic discourse in Turkey. The international community continues to watch closely, urging Turkish authorities to respect fundamental human rights and uphold democratic principles.