Photo credit: www.bbc.com
Trial Begins for Protesters Against Turkish Government
A significant trial involving close to 200 individuals arrested during protests against the Turkish government has commenced in Istanbul. The unrest began on March 19 following the detention of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on corruption allegations he strongly denies.
The trial, which started at the Caglayan courthouse, sees 189 defendants, predominantly students, along with eight journalists facing charges for participating in unlawful protests. They are accused of defying a crackdown on public demonstrations and not dispersing despite being warned by authorities.
This trial is the first for those arrested during the mass rallies, which have caused widespread concern regarding civil liberties in Turkey. The Istanbul prosecutor’s office noted that a total of 819 individuals are under investigation across 20 separate criminal cases related to these protests.
According to Human Rights Watch, the potential penalties for the charges range from six months to five years in prison. Many of the defendants are expressing hope for exoneration. One student from Istanbul University shared their experience, stating, “I hope that the authorities will soon realize the injustice of this situation and acquit everyone involved.”
Another second-year student from Mimar Sinan University emphasized their commitment to stand firm, asserting, “We have no fear; we are not the ones who should be afraid.”
As reported by the Parents Solidarity Network (PSN), a group formed by the families of the detained students, there has been a recent release of many who were arrested after March 19, though approximately 50 students remain in custody.
Before the hearings commenced, PSN member Avni Gündoğan remarked on the nature of the protests, stating, “Our children participated in peaceful and democratic actions, advocating for a more free and democratic society.” The father of one arrested student, Yağmur Gündoğan, conveyed the family’s unwavering support, declaring, “We have stood by our children and will continue to do so. We seek justice and a fair trial.”
The journalists involved, including Yasin Akgül from the French AFP news agency, face similar accusations of participating in unlawful gatherings. On the first day of the trial, lawyer Veysel Ok argued for their acquittal, claiming they were there to report rather than participate in the protests. This request was ultimately denied; however, the Turkish Journalists Union (TGS) indicated that the cases of the eight journalists will be handled separately from those of the students.
Ekrem İmamoğlu is anticipated to be a key figure in the upcoming 2028 presidential elections, and his supporters view his arrest as a politically motivated move by Erdoğan’s administration. Despite official prohibitions on protests and gatherings across Istanbul, the demonstrations have attracted hundreds of thousands of participants. Since March 19, nearly 2,000 individuals, many of whom are university students, have been detained in connection with these events.
Source
www.bbc.com