Istanbul Protests: Journalists, Students Face Charges

A Turkish court on Friday began hearing the cases of 189 defendants, most of them university students, accused of participating in banned demonstrations and refusing police orders to disperse during protests sparked by the imprisonment of Istanbul’s opposition mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu.

İmamoğlu, a leading political rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was arrested on March 19 on corruption charges, which he denies. His detention triggered nationwide demonstrations, with critics calling the case politically motivated. The government maintains that Turkey’s judiciary operates independently.

The defendants, among more than 2,000 people detained in the largest wave of protests in over a decade, face charges ranging from attending unlawful gatherings to allegedly carrying weapons. Eight journalists covering the demonstrations were also on trial, though the court later decided to separate their cases from the main proceedings.

Defendants Demand Acquittal Amid Allegations of Political Persecution

During the opening hearing, defense lawyers called for the acquittal of all defendants, arguing that their actions were peaceful and constitutionally protected. Among those on trial was Derin Doğa Kuş, an Istanbul University student detained from her home on March 24 and released last week after 18 days in Silivri Prison.

“We all missed our exams. Some lost their jobs,” Kuş told reporters outside the courthouse. “This is not a legal process; it is a process where the law is trampled on.”

Families of the accused have organized vigils outside the prison, demanding their children’s release. Avni Gündoğan, whose daughter was among those detained, said, “They engaged in democratic, peaceful, and legitimate activities. Their rights were violated—we demand acquittal.”

The trial marks the first in a series of cases stemming from the protests. According to Human Rights Watch, convictions could carry prison sentences ranging from six months to five years.

Meanwhile, journalists covering the demonstrations—including AFP reporter Yasin Akgül—face charges of participating in illegal protests. Their lawyers argue they were merely performing their professional duties.

İmamoğlu, once seen as a strong contender in Turkey’s 2028 presidential election, remains in custody as protests continue to challenge the government’s crackdown on dissent.