HAYRİ DEMİR
An expert report submitted in the ongoing trial of activists arrested during the 2nd Ankara Pride March in July 2022 has confirmed instances of police torture. The report, which analyzed footage from the event, was added to the case file in the Ankara 52nd Criminal Court of First Instance.
During the attempted 2nd Ankara Pride March in July 2022, 42 individuals were arrested and subjected to violence by the police. The expert report, which was prepared after reviewing the footage of the arrests, documented that the LGBTQ+ activists faced physical assaults from the police.
Citizens and police officers voiced concerns
The expert analysis highlighted that the police used excessive force, including slapping and kicking the activists. The report noted that bystanders, as well as a police supervisor, voiced concerns about the severity of the intervention. The report stated:
"Numerous plainclothes and uniformed police officers were present compared to the number of protesters. During the intervention, some officers were seen slapping and kicking the activists, and using pepper spray from a close distance. It was observed that the police supervisor verbally warned the officers about the level of intervention, and verbal warnings were also given by the civilians."
Police supervisor attempted to calm the officers
The report also mentioned that the initial parts of the footage recorded by the police were missing, making it impossible to determine if there was an announcement to disperse the crowd before the intervention.
During the process of arresting and placing the activists into vehicles, the report noted, "One police officer displayed aggressive behavior." It also recorded that a senior police officer was shouting "calm, calm" to the officers who were using violence.
Police punches and kicks documented
A detailed transcription of one of the videos in the report further documented the violent actions of the police, stating: "During the same moments, a scuffle between a male individual and the police continued. The police were seen punching and kicking the individual 3-4 times."
Background
The second Ankara Pride March drew significant attention after being targeted by anti-LGBTQ+ groups. The march commenced under heavy police presence, with Kuğulu Park, Tunalı Hilmi Street, and surrounding areas blockaded by police.
As the LGBTQ+ participants marched on the streets leading to Tunalı Hilmi Street, they were violently arrested by the police, who used excessive force and pepper spray. Many were handcuffed behind their backs.
The 42 individuals arrested were charged with "violating the law on meetings and demonstrations." During the trial, the defendants claimed they were subjected to police violence during their arrest. The first expert report was contested by the defense for lack of impartiality, leading to the preparation of the second expert report.
This second report, confirming the allegations of police brutality, is now part of the case file as the trial continues.
