EYLEM SONBAHAR
The first hearing of the trial against Dilek Ekmekçi, accused of "membership in an armed terrorist organization," was held today at the Istanbul 24th High Criminal Court. Ekmekçi was arrested on August 30 for a social media post and had been detained since September 1 at Bakırköy Women's Closed Penal Institution. Despite technical difficulties, the hearing eventually led to her release with a travel ban, with the next session scheduled for January 10, 2025.
The hearing, initially delayed for two hours due to a malfunction in the Video and Audio Information System (SEGBİS), saw considerable tension. The defense team, led by prominent lawyers, criticized the court's handling of the trial and demanded that Ekmekçi be present in the courtroom rather than participating via SEGBİS.
'Defendant's presence in court is a right'
Before Ekmekçi could present her defense, her lawyer Ömer Kavili raised procedural objections, emphasizing the right to face the defendant in court. Despite his request, the court noted Kavili’s objection as being raised without permission and later ordered his removal from the courtroom after heated exchanges.
Two lawyers expelled from courtroom
Amid mounting tension, lawyer Murat Sadak also insisted that Ekmekçi be physically present and that the court provide reasons if this was not possible. As discussions intensified, the court president expelled lawyer Savaş İşleyen, followed by Kavili. The president cited their behavior as grounds for their removal, sparking protests from the legal team.
Ekmekçi: 'You even fear facing me'
Addressing the court remotely, Ekmekçi expressed her frustration at not being allowed to defend herself in person, stating, "Facing you and seeing your reactions is necessary for the right to a fair trial. You even fear facing me." She also criticized the use of SEGBİS, pointing out that it had functioned during her arrest but was now conveniently "malfunctioning."
Despite her requests, the court did not provide a clear explanation for the technical difficulties, further fueling her criticism of the trial process as biased.
Prosecution requests continued detention
The prosecutor, citing the evidence and the severity of the accusations, requested that Ekmekçi remain in detention. However, after deliberation, the court ruled in favor of releasing Ekmekçi with a travel ban, allowing her to prepare her defense outside of prison.
Next hearing set for January 2025
Following the decision, the case was adjourned until January 10, 2025. The trial has drawn significant attention from legal advocates and human rights observers, who have criticized the handling of the proceedings as part of broader concerns over judicial independence and fairness in Turkey.
