This week in Turkey, journalists and lawyers are standing trial in several cases tied to social media posts, protest actions, and police interventions during news coverage. The hearings, scheduled for September 3–4, underscore ongoing concerns around freedom of expression and assembly in the country.
Wednesday, September 3
At 10 a.m., the first hearing will take place at the Istanbul 64th Criminal Court of First Instance for 35 individuals detained during a protest held on July 1 in Istanbul’s Saraçhane district. The rally marked the 100th day of imprisonment for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure. The defendants are charged with “participating in unlawful meetings and demonstrations without arms and refusing to disperse despite warnings.”
At 1:10 p.m., journalist İdris Yılmaz will appear before the Erciş 1st Criminal Court of First Instance in eastern Turkey. Yılmaz, who was beaten and detained while covering a news story, is now facing retrial on defamation charges after the Court of Cassation overturned an earlier conviction. The case was brought following complaints from the police officers involved in the incident. Yılmaz is represented by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA).
At 1:20 p.m., Ercan Aktaş will appear before the Bakırköy 2nd High Criminal Court in Istanbul on charges of “discouraging military service” and “making terrorist propaganda.” The charges are based on several of Aktaş’s past social media posts. MLSA is also representing Aktaş in this case.
Thursday, September 4
At 1 p.m., a hearing will be held at the Istanbul 46th Criminal Court of First Instance for a group of lawyers affiliated with the Progressive Lawyers Association (ÇHD). They were detained while attempting to release sky lanterns in support of imprisoned colleagues on hunger strike. The lawyers are charged with “participating in unlawful meetings and demonstrations without dispersing despite warnings” and “resisting to prevent a public official from performing their duty.”
