What is the Crime of Slander?
The crime of slander is a crime regulated in the Turkish Penal Code. This crime occurs when a person discloses or disseminates slanderous information that is known or should have been known to be untrue, in a way that will be disseminated to the public, that he/she has committed any act or that he/she is the perpetrator of an act.
Defense Strategies in the Crime of Slander
Defense strategies in the crime of slander will be shaped according to the nature of the incident and the available evidence. However, the following strategies can generally be followed:
Proof that the statement is true: If the information expressed is claimed to be true, this situation must be proven. Witnesses, documents and other evidence can be presented for this purpose.
Proof that the statement was made in good faith: It can be claimed that the statement was made in good faith, without any intent to harm. In this case, the conditions at the time the statement was made, the knowledge and belief of the person to whom it was made are taken into consideration.
Claiming That the Statement is Within the Scope of Privacy: In some cases, it can be argued that the statement is within the scope of privacy and therefore no penalty should be imposed.
Statute of Limitations Defense: If a certain period of time has passed since the crime was committed, a statute of limitations defense can be made.
Defense of No Legal Liability: The defense that the subjective element (intention or negligence) necessary for the crime to occur is not present can be made.
What Should Be Done in the Crime of Defamation?
Consulting a Lawyer: It is important for people facing the crime of defamation to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyer will determine the most appropriate defense strategy by evaluating all aspects of the incident.
Gathering Evidence: All evidence related to the incident must be collected. This evidence will contribute to the strengthening of the defense by being presented in court.
Following the Court Process: It is important to follow all stages of the court process closely.