EYLEM SONBAHAR
The ninth hearing in the case for the closure of the Tarlabaşı Community Support Association (commonly known as Tarlabaşı Community Center - TTM) was held today at Istanbul 18th Civil Court of First Instance. The case, filed on the grounds of "violations of law and morality," continued as the Ministry of Interior’s lawyer requested that the file be reviewed by an expert panel that includes a psychologist or a pedagogue. The court deferred the request to be considered at a later stage and postponed the hearing to March 17, 2025.
Heightened security measures at the hearing
Before the hearing, security measures were intensified, and media as well as observers were required to wait outside the courtroom. Representatives from the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV), Memory Center, and Beyoğlu City Defense, alongside other observers, attended the hearing. The lawyers representing the association and those from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Family and Social Services were present.
Ministry requests a new expert review
The lawyer for the Ministry of Interior requested that the case be referred to an expert panel that includes a legal expert specializing in associations as well as a psychologist or a pedagogue. The association’s lawyer, Sevgi Kalan Güvercin, responded by noting that they had already submitted expert opinions from a social services specialist and a legal expert, and called for the case to be dismissed.
Court postpones the decision
The court decided to defer the Ministry's request for a new expert review until after the conclusion of a related case involving two of the association’s board members at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance. The hearing was rescheduled for March 17, 2025.
Background
Tarlabaşı Community Support Association operates in disadvantaged areas of Istanbul, providing social services and educational support. The association's building was recently sealed by the Beyoğlu District Governor's Office, and a lawsuit was filed seeking its closure.
