The verdict in the Kobani trial, which has been ongoing for three years, was announced, with the word "Kobani" not mentioned even once. All defendants were acquitted of the Yasin Börü murder charges. Former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş, who was directly accused by President Erdoğan of the Börü murder, received a total of 42 years in prison for statements falling under freedom of expression. The court read the verdict in the absence of the defendants, with the total prison sentences for the 24 politicians exceeding 400 years.
The trial, which includes former HDP co-chairs Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ among 108 defendants, concluded with extraordinary security measures and historic judgments. Only five defendants were released, while Demirtaş received 42 years and Yüksekdağ 30 years and 3 months in prison. The 24 convicted politicians were sentenced to a total of 401 years and 79 months in prison.
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Context of the Kobani case
The trial, known as the "Kobani case," stems from protests that took place across Turkey from October 6-8, 2014, in response to ISIS attacks on Kobani in northern Syria. The defendants include 18 detained and 18 non-detained individuals, with arrest warrants issued for 72 others.
Security measures at Sincan Prison Complex
The verdict hearing was held at the Sincan Prison Complex, where extraordinary security measures were observed. Multiple checkpoints were set up, and only press members, lawyers, and representatives from political parties and civil society organizations were allowed entry. This trial attracted significant attention, with high attendance from politicians and diplomats.
Court proceedings and defense
Karabay's defense began with his lawyer, Enes Hikmet Ermaner, emphasizing the illegitimacy of questioning a journalist's motives for reporting. The defense highlighted that the trial, involving detailed and extensive arguments, demonstrated the judiciary's flaws.
Significant sentences and statements
The trial saw extensive sentences for key figures:
Selahattin Demirtaş: 42 years for various charges, including aiding in undermining state unity and inciting crime.
Figen Yüksekdağ: 30 years and 3 months for similar charges.
Despite the lengthy proceedings and strong defense statements, the court issued its verdict in the absence of the defendants and their lawyers, who protested the process as politically motivated. The total sentences for the 24 convicted politicians amounted to 407 years and 7 months.
Conclusion and aftermath
The Kobani trial, marked by high security and significant political interest, will continue to be reviewed by higher courts. The case remains a landmark in Turkey's recent political and judicial history, reflecting deep divisions and ongoing debates over freedom of expression and political prosecution.
Detailed sentences
Selahattin Demirtaş: 42 years
Figen Yüksekdağ: 30 years and 3 months
Pervin Oduncu: 22 years and 10 months
Alp Altınörs: 22 years and 6 months
Nazmi Gür: 22 years and 6 months
Zeki Çelik: 22 years and 6 months
Zeynep Kahraman: 22 years and 6 months
Cihan Erdal: 20 years and 6 months
Dilek Yağlı: 20 years and 6 months
Günay Kubilay: 20 years and 6 months
İsmail Şengül: 20 years and 6 months
Ali Ürküt: 17 years and 1 month
Zeynep Ölbeci: 12 years and 9 months
Gültan Kışanak: 12 years
Sebahat Tuncel: 12 years
Mesut Bağcık: 12 years
Ahmet Türk: 10 years
Emina Ayna: 10 years
Ayla Akat Ata: 9 years and 9 months
Meryem Adıbelli: 9 years
Aynur Aşan: 9 years
Ayşe Yağcı: 9 years
Nezir Çakan: 9 years
The verdict reflects a total of 401 years and 79 months for the 24 convicted politicians.
