The trial of 189 defendants arrested during recent demonstrations in Istanbul has commenced, with charges including illegal protest participation. The events were ignited by the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, a prominent challenger to President Erdoğan, raising concerns about political repression.
Major Trial Unfolds for Nearly 200 Protestors in Turkey Amidst Government Crackdown
Major Trial Unfolds for Nearly 200 Protestors in Turkey Amidst Government Crackdown
Nearly 200 individuals, primarily students and journalists, are facing trial in Istanbul after protests erupted against the Turkish government following the detention of a key political figure.
A trial has commenced for nearly 200 individuals arrested during protests against the Turkish government, anchored in Istanbul. The demonstrations, which began on March 19, were sparked by the detention of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, facing corruption charges he vehemently denies. The opening of the trial took place at the Caglayan courthouse on Friday, involving 189 defendants—predominantly students, along with eight journalists.
Charges brought against these individuals include participating in unlawful protests following a stringent crackdown on public gatherings and ignoring dispersal orders. This trial marks the first legal action against those arrested during the demonstrations. The Istanbul prosecutor's office has indicated that a total of 819 individuals are slated for trial across 20 different criminal investigations, with potential penalties ranging from six months to five years imprisonment as reported by Human Rights Watch.
One student, who participated in the Saraçhane protests and spent 20 days incarcerated, expressed hopes for an acquittal of all involved. In solidarity, fellow students and family members rallied outside the courthouse, demanding justice and fair treatment for those on trial. Avni Gündoğan, a member of the Parents Solidarity Network, emphasized that their children acted in defense of democracy.
Moreover, the arrested journalists—including AFP's Yasin Akgül—faced similar charges of taking part in these gatherings, although their defense argued they were merely covering the events. Requests for their acquittal were initially rejected, though the Turkish Journalists Union noted that charges against them would be processed separately from those of the students.
The controversy surrounding İmamoğlu’s detention continues to feed a narrative of political maneuvering, particularly as he was considered a leading contender for the presidency in the upcoming 2028 elections. Despite a ban on gatherings and public demonstrations instituted by the Istanbul governorship, widespread participation in protests has persisted. Since March 19, authorities have apprehended nearly 2,000 individuals, predominantly university students, signaling a growing tension in Turkey’s political climate.
