In Istanbul, a trial commenced for 189 individuals, predominantly university students, arrested during anti-government protests following the March 19 detention of opposition Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The charges include participating in banned demonstrations, disobeying police orders, and in some cases, carrying arms. Notably, four photojournalists and three reporters who were covering the protests are also facing trial, though their cases have been separated from the main proceedings .
İmamoğlu’s arrest, on corruption charges widely viewed as politically motivated, has sparked the largest protests in Turkey in over a decade. Since his detention, more than 2,000 individuals have been detained across the country .
Defendants’ Accounts and Legal Proceedings
Among the defendants is Derin Doğa Kuş, a 23-year-old Istanbul University student who was detained from her home on March 24 and released from jail last week. She described her 18-day imprisonment as a violation of legal norms, stating, “This is not a legal process; it is a process where the law is trampled on” .
During the opening hearing, defense lawyers demanded acquittal for all 189 defendants, arguing that the protests were peaceful and constitutionally protected. Families of the accused, including parents who held daily vigils outside Silivri prison, expressed solidarity with the students and demanded justice .
International Reactions and Concerns
The European Union and the Council of Europe have expressed concern over İmamoğlu’s detention and the subsequent crackdown on protests. The Council emphasized the need for Turkey to uphold democratic values and safeguard fundamental freedoms such as speech and assembly .
This trial highlights ongoing concerns about judicial independence and freedom of expression in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s administration.
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