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A Turkish court has acquitted 25 individuals who were detained during a protest at Ankara's Kızılay Square, organized by the Barınamıyoruz Hareketi (We Can't Find Shelter Movement) to highlight the lack of capacity in student dormitories. The defendants had faced charges of violating Turkey's Law on Meetings and Demonstrations (Law No. 2911).
At the 9th hearing held on December 17, 2024, at Ankara's 64th Criminal Court of First Instance, lawyers representing the defendants responded to the prosecutor’s opinion, which underscored the participants' right to organize peaceful assemblies without prior permission.
Prosecutor highlights constitutional right to peaceful assembly
Referring to Article 3 of the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations, the prosecutor emphasized that “everyone has the right to hold assemblies and peaceful demonstrations without prior permission, provided they are unarmed and non-violent and do not pursue illegal purposes.” Supporting this argument, the defense team reiterated that the defendants' actions were lawful and demanded their acquittal.
Court finds no basis for charges
The court ruled that the legal elements of the alleged crime had not been established and acquitted all 25 defendants.
Background
The Barınamıyoruz Hareketi emerged as a response to Turkey's worsening student housing crisis, with many students unable to find affordable or adequate accommodations. The protest at Kızılay Square aimed to bring public attention to the dire situation, particularly amid the backdrop of rising rents and insufficient dormitory spaces.
The case marks a significant legal outcome affirming the right to peaceful assembly in Turkey, particularly in demonstrations addressing social issues such as housing and economic justice.
