In Istanbul today, a trial commenced for 76 members of the leftist SOL Party and journalists, including Asena Tunca from BirGün newspaper, arrested during a protest against the government and the Red Crescent, which was criticized for selling tents after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The initial hearing was held at the Istanbul Anadolu 14th Criminal Court of First Instance.
The defendants, arrested during a demonstration in Kadıköy on March 1, 2023, face charges of violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstration Marches. Due to the high number of defendants, the trial took place in a conference room at the courthouse. After identity verifications were completed, the trial resumed following a short break.
During the proceedings, defense attorney Mustafa Aydın Başalmaz requested immediate acquittal for all defendants without beginning defense statements. However, the judge rejected this request, citing the legal necessity to hear the defendants' statements before any ruling.
The defense argues the necessity of discussing why the trial was initiated, noting that many defendants had been aiding earthquake victims. Defendant Deniz Demirdöğen, also a lawyer, stated in his defense statement, "We conducted this demonstration to expose those committing crimes against the public, and we were detained with force. My effort is to reveal the truth, and we will continue to confront those who profit at the expense of others."
The courtroom atmosphere tensed when the presence of three plainclothes police officers was challenged by the defense attorneys, who demanded their removal to prevent an intimidating environment. The judge initially defended the officers' presence as a security measure but eventually ordered their exit.
Journalist Asena Tunca, in her defense statement, recounted her arrest while covering the protest, "As I was reporting on the democratic mass organizations' actions, I declared that I was a journalist. Following that, I was forcefully detained by grabbing my neck, the reason for which I still don't understand. I deny the accusations and request acquittal."
Fellow BirGün employees Ezgican Ceylan and Ahmet Can Sarıkaya also denied the charges and sought acquittal. Lawyer Tolgay Güvercin highlighted the distinct circumstances facing the defendant lawyers and journalists, noting their wrongful detention despite showing press credentials.
The prosecutor requested that missing details in the indictment be addressed, and the court decided to prepare the unexamined defendants for the next hearing, postponing the trial until September 27.
