Turkish sports journalist Burhan Can Terzi was detained by authorities in Istanbul following his reports that Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala was nearing a transfer to Galatasaray, according to reports from The Sun, Marca, and Tagesspiegel. The arrest stems from an investigation into the alleged public dissemination of misleading information.
Istanbul Prosecutor Orders Journalist Detention Over Musiala Claims
According to reports from The Sun and Marca, Burhan Can Terzi was taken into custody on a Monday following an order from the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. German outlet Tagesspiegel noted that the arrest followed reports broadcast by the Turkish sender NTV and other outlets regarding the purported transfer.
The investigation centers on accusations of spreading misleading information to the public. However, following his appearance before a prosecutor and a custody judge, Terzi was released without restrictions after a few hours, according to Tagesspiegel. The court rejected a prosecution request for judicial control measures, leaving the journalist free while the inquiry continues.
Galatasaray Issues Strong Denial Regarding Bayern Munich Star
Galatasaray forcefully rejected Terzi’s claims, which first surfaced in late July. At the time, Terzi maintained that the Turkish club and Musiala were in broad agreement and that the player would soon join the club’s training camp. British newspaper reports cited a club statement dismissing the narrative entirely.
„Påstandene om at fotballspilleren Jamal Musiala skal gå til Galatasaray, er ikke sanne,“ stated the club in remarks covered by the press. Galatasaray argued that the continuous spread of these transfer rumors risked misleading the public and damaging the credibility of the club’s actual recruitment operations. The club urged supporters to rely solely on official communications and to ignore speculative reports.”
Terzi Defends Sources and Points to Westerlo Owner
Despite the club’s public pushback, Terzi refused to retract his reporting. He insisted that his information originated from multiple sources who maintained that a move to Istanbul was possible, telling outlets that he did not invent the story. During police questioning, Terzi identified Oktay Ercan as the individual who provided him with details concerning the potential transfer, according to Marca. Ercan is a Turkish businessman and the owner of the Belgian football club Westerlo.
The legal scrutiny arrives under Turkey’s controversial disinformation law, passed by Parliament in 2022. The legislation criminalizes the dissemination of false information intended to provoke public unrest or disrupt public order.
Did you know? Turkey’s 2022 disinformation law allows prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against individuals who spread false information online with the intent of disrupting public peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was sports journalist Burhan Can Terzi detained?
Terzi was detained by Istanbul authorities following an order from the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office over reports that Bayern Munich player Jamal Musiala was moving to Galatasaray, which prosecutors investigated as the public dissemination of misleading information.
Was Burhan Can Terzi convicted or restricted after his arrest?
No. After providing an explanation to police and appearing before a judge, Terzi was released without restrictions. The arrest does not mean the journalist has been convicted.
How did Galatasaray respond to the transfer rumors?
Galatasaray issued a firm denial, stating that reports of a deal involving Jamal Musiala were entirely false and intended to undermine the club’s official transfer activities.
Who did Terzi name as his source of information?
During the police investigation, Terzi pointed to Oktay Ercan, a Turkish businessman and owner of the Belgian club Westerlo, as the source who provided him with the transfer details.
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