Nearly 200 individuals, primarily students and journalists, stand trial in Istanbul for their involvement in protests against the Turkish government, marking a significant moment in the country's ongoing protests ignited by the arrest of a key opposition figure.
Over 190 Defendants Face Trial Amidst Turkey's Ongoing Protest Movement
Over 190 Defendants Face Trial Amidst Turkey's Ongoing Protest Movement
The trial of nearly 200 arrested individuals commences in Istanbul, stemming from protests ignited by the detention of Istanbul's mayor and perceived governmental oppression.
A trial involving nearly 200 people arrested during protests against the Turkish government has commenced in Istanbul's Caglayan courthouse. The demonstrations began on 19 March after the arrest of Istanbul's mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu on corruption charges—a move seen by many as a political maneuver by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Out of the 189 defendants, most are students, while eight are journalists. They face charges linked to participating in illegal protests amid a crackdown on public gatherings. The Istanbul prosecutor's office has indicated that 819 people will be tried in 20 separate criminal investigations, with potential penalties ranging from six months to five years in prison, according to Human Rights Watch.
A university student, who recently spent 20 days in detention for protesting in Istanbul, expressed hope for a swift exoneration of all defendants. Another student stated, "We have no fear; we are not the ones who should be afraid." The Parents Solidarity Network (PSN), formed by the families of those detained, reports that most arrested since the protests commenced have been released, but about 50 students remain incarcerated.
Before the trial began, PSN member Avni Gündoğan emphasized their children's participation in legitimate democratic actions, advocating for a free country. The father of a recently released detainee echoed their desire for justice and fairness in legal proceedings.
The journalists included in the trial, among them AFP reporter Yasin Akgül, were arrested while covering the protests and face similar charges. Despite a legal request for their acquittal, arguing they were merely reporters, the judge denied the appeal; however, the Turkish Journalists Union announced that the cases of the journalists had been separated from those of the student defendants.
The protests gained momentum despite the Istanbul governorship's declaration of a ban on gatherings in the province, drawing hundreds of thousands to the streets. Since the onset of protests on 19 March, authorities have detained nearly 2,000 individuals, many of whom are university students.
