Turkish court acquits Kurdish director over screening of Armenian Genocide film

In Diyarbakir, the trial of Rojhilat Akso has concluded. She had been charged with “publicly insulting the Turkish nation and state institutions” after organizing a screening of the animated documentary Aurora’s Sunrise. Prosecutors cited Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, arguing that describing the events of 1915 as genocide was “offensive in nature.”

The defense maintained that Akso was not the film’s author but had merely participated in its screening, emphasizing that the case violated freedom of speech and artistic expression. The court agreed with the defense’s arguments and delivered a verdict of acquittal.

The film Aurora’s Sunrise is based on the real-life story of Aurora Mardiganian, an Armenian woman who survived the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire. The film portrays both the tragic events and instances of help provided by Turks and Kurds. In November 2023, the film was recognized as Best Documentary at a film festival in the United States.