A trial involving almost 200 defendants arrested during protests in response to the detention of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, opened in Istanbul. The charges mainly pertain to participation in illegal protests, predominantly affecting students and some journalists. This trial is linked to broader political tensions surrounding Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his government.
Major Trial of Nearly 200 Protesters Commences in Istanbul Amidst Political Tensions
Major Trial of Nearly 200 Protesters Commences in Istanbul Amidst Political Tensions
Nearly 200 individuals face charges in a trial that has sparked public outcry and raised questions regarding freedom of expression in Turkey.
The trial of nearly 200 individuals who were arrested during protests against the Turkish government officially began in Istanbul on Friday. The demonstrations kicked off on March 19, following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, who is seen as a prominent challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. İmamoğlu has denied allegations of corruption, fueling public dissent.
The legal proceedings, held at the Caglayan courthouse, involve 189 defendants, with a majority being students and eight identified as journalists. They face a myriad of charges related to illegal protest activities, which arose in the wake of a government crackdown on public gatherings. The Istanbul prosecutor's office has indicated that a total of 819 individuals are under scrutiny across 20 criminal cases, with potential penalties ranging from six months to five years in prison, according to Human Rights Watch.
A student from Istanbul University, detained for participating in the protests, expressed hope that the judiciary would prioritize justice by acquitting all defendants. Another second-year student from Mimar Sinan University emphasized resilience, saying, "We have no fear, we are not the ones who should be afraid."
Reports from the Parents Solidarity Network (PSN), formed by families of detained students, suggest that although many arrested since March 19 have been released, around 50 students are still in custody. Prior to the hearings, PSN member Avni Gündoğan described their children's involvement as a peaceful and legitimate demonstration for a more democratic Turkey.
The eight journalists, including Yasin Akgül from the French AFP, also face allegations related to unlawful protests. An appeal from their lawyer for their acquittal based on their role as reporters was reportedly denied. Social media posts from the Turkish Journalists Union (TGS) indicated that the cases of the journalists have been separated from those of the student protesters.
İmamoğlu's detention has been interpreted by his supporters as a political maneuver by Erdoğan, particularly in light of İmamoğlu's expected presidential candidacy in the upcoming 2028 elections. Despite a government ban on gatherings in Istanbul, widespread participation in protests has been noted, with almost 2,000 people detained since the unrest began.
