Eylem Sonbahar
The ongoing dissolution case against the Tarlabaşı Community Support Association, commonly known as the Tarlabaşı Community Center (TTM), has been postponed to Sept. 29 after a hearing in Istanbul on Monday. During the session, lawyers representing Turkey’s Interior Ministry and Ministry of Family and Social Services requested that the case file be sent to a new expert witness.
The case, which alleges the association’s activities are "contrary to law and morality," was brought by the Beyoğlu District Governor’s Office. The association’s building was also sealed on Oct. 10, 2024. The latest hearing marked the 10th session of the trial, held at the Istanbul 18th Civil Court of First Instance.
Representatives from the Norwegian and Finnish embassies, as well as members of human rights organizations such as the Hafıza Merkezi (Truth Justice Memory Center), attended the hearing. Government lawyers reiterated their objections to the existing expert report and requested a new assessment.
Sevgi Kalan Güvercin, a lawyer for the association, emphasized the case's international attention, stating, “Even though the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance case is still pending, this trial is being followed by various human rights organizations. Today, representatives from the Finnish and Norwegian embassies are also present. We have submitted a petition arguing that Article 89 of the Turkish Civil Code is unconstitutional, and we reiterate our request.”
The court rejected the association’s petition to refer Article 89 of the Turkish Civil Code to the Constitutional Court for review. It also decided to wait for the outcome of a separate case at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance, where two executives of the association are on trial.
The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29 at 10 a.m.
What is Article 89 of the Turkish Civil Code?
Article 89 states: “If the purpose of an association becomes unlawful or immoral, a court may decide to dissolve the association upon the request of a public prosecutor or an interested party. During the trial, the court may take all necessary measures, including suspending the association's activities.”
