EYLEM SONBAHAR
Lawyer Dilek Ekmekçi, who had been released after the first hearing in her trial, was re-arrested today following a new detention order issued by the Istanbul 25th High Criminal Court. Ekmekçi faces charges of "membership in an armed terrorist organization" based on her social media posts. Although she was initially granted release at her first hearing on October 22, 2023, she was taken into custody again following an appeal by the prosecutor.
Ekmekçi was held at the Ataköy Police Station after being detained by order of the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for another investigation. Following the prosecutor’s objection to her release, she was brought before the court today, where the previous decision was overturned, and she was re-arrested.
"I have been deprived of my freedom for over 50 days"
Appearing in court with her lawyers, Ekmekçi explained that despite her defense being present in the case file, she had been "deprived of her freedom for over 50 days due to a fabricated indictment." She stated that a complaint against her had been filed on October 31, 2023, and just a day later, the Ankara Police Department's investigation report had been added to the file. Ekmekçi highlighted that the complaint mainly consisted of a compilation of her social media posts.
She claimed that she had been targeted by a "parallel structure" within the state, saying, "For the past four years, I have been targeted and silenced by the deep state and criminal groups within the system." Ekmekçi referenced several lawsuits and investigations initiated against her from Ankara, including an attempt to subject her to a psychiatric evaluation. "According to these conspirators, am I insane or a FETÖ supporter?" she asked, referring to the Gülen movement, which Turkish authorities designate as a terrorist organization.
"This case is a SLAPP lawsuit"
Ekmekçi presented a 25-page defense but refrained from expanding on it due to exhaustion from being in custody for two days without sleep. She stated, "This case could be classified as a SLAPP lawsuit, which aims to silence individuals who use their freedom of expression for the public interest. If the goal is not to silence me, then I request my release."
Her lawyer, Murat Sadak, also emphasized that his client was being unfairly punished through legal means.
Despite the defense’s request, the prosecutor insisted on Ekmekçi's re-arrest, citing the existing warrant. The court ultimately ruled in favor of her detention, and she was transferred to Bakırköy Women’s Closed Prison.
