The trial for nearly 200 people, primarily students and journalists, has commenced in Istanbul following protests against the Turkish government. A crackdown was initiated after the detainment of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, highlighting ongoing tensions in the country as demonstrators demand justice and constitutional rights.
Major Trial Begins for Nearly 200 Protesters in Turkey Amid Political Turmoil
Major Trial Begins for Nearly 200 Protesters in Turkey Amid Political Turmoil
Nearly 200 individuals face trial in Istanbul, stemming from mass protests sparked by the arrest of a major opposition figure.
The trial of nearly 200 individuals arrested during protests against the Turkish government commenced in Istanbul, reflecting rising political tensions in the country. The mass protests began on March 19, following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a leading opposition figure, on corruption charges that he vehemently denies.
At the Caglayan courthouse, 189 defendants, mostly students, face charges related to participating in illegal demonstrations, with some journalists involved as well. The prosecution claims that numerous public gatherings were deemed unlawful, resulting in a crackdown that led to hundreds of arrests. Human Rights Watch indicated that penalties for participants in these protests could range from six months to five years of imprisonment.
One student, arrested during protests in Istanbul's Saraçhane district and later released after 20 days in prison, expressed hope for an acquittal for all involved. "The court should recognize our right to demonstrate peacefully and publicly," she stated. Another student emphasized, "We have no fear, we are not the ones who should be afraid."
According to the Parents Solidarity Network (PSN), established by the families of those detained, most protesters have been released recently, but around 50 students remain incarcerated. Avni Gündoğan, a PSN member, rallied support, insisting that their children stood up for democracy and justice.
The journalists on trial, including Yasin Akgül from the French AFP news agency, argue they were merely reporting on the protests rather than participating in illegal actions. Their requests for acquittal were rejected in the preliminary hearing. Turkey's Journalists Union noted that the cases of the eight journalists were separated from those of the students to address the complexities within the legal framework.
İmamoğlu, targeted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's administration, has aspirations for the 2028 elections, and his arrest is seen by many of his backers as politically motivated. Protests continued even with governmental restrictions in place, showcasing the intensity of public dissent against the ruling regime.
