EYLEM SONBAHAR
In the case seeking to shut down the Migration Monitoring Association (GÖÇİZDER), the court has decided to request an examination report on materials submitted in eight sacks for review. GÖÇİZDER, which works to foster social solidarity among forcibly displaced communities and advocate for the rights of those affected by migration, is facing closure through a legal case initiated by the Turkish government.
The sixth hearing of the case took place at the Bakırköy 15th Civil Court of First Instance. GÖÇİZDER's lawyer, Ahmet Baran Çelik, was present, along with prosecutor Yavuzhan Kocaman, who prepared the indictment. The hearing was attended by representatives from civil society, including Burcu Bingöllü and Esin Epli from the Memory Center, Milena Buyum from Amnesty International Turkey, and Gülnarin Demirel from the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV). Plainclothes police officers also stood guard outside the courtroom.
In a previous session, the court had requested information from the Istanbul 26th High Criminal Court regarding the acquittal of GÖÇİZDER members and executives in a separate case involving charges of "membership in a terrorist organization." The court also requested materials related to GÖÇİZDER from the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) for review.
During this latest session, the judge acknowledged that reviewing the eight sacks of materials in their entirety was not feasible and noted that there should be a report on these materials, which would be the focus of the court's examination. The court ordered the Istanbul 26th High Criminal Court to provide an examination report on the materials.
The next hearing is scheduled for December 25, 2024.
