In Istanbul, the trial concerning seven Boğaziçi University students accused of "inciting public hatred and hostility" continued with its 11th session. The charges stem from an exhibit on the campus featuring an image of the Kaaba adorned with figures of Şahmeran and the LGBTI+ rainbow flag, displayed during protests against the appointment of Prof. Dr. Melih Bulu as the university's rector by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The case is being heard at the Istanbul 21st Criminal Court of First Instance. None of the students were present at the latest hearing; however, their lawyers, Mümtaz Yurtsever and Begüm Kurt, attended. It was reported that the file had been returned from the expert committee and that the expert report was ready.
Attorney Kurt requested additional time to review the expert report, a request which was mirrored by the prosecutor who sought time to prepare the prosecutor’s opinion on the merits of the case. The court agreed to grant time for the lawyers to provide statements regarding the expert report and decided to send the file to the prosecutor for the preparation of the merits opinion. The hearing has been postponed to September 27.
