Eylem Sonbahar
Lawyer Dilek Ekmekçi, accused of “membership in a terrorist organization,” was denied release during the second hearing of her trial at Istanbul’s 24th High Criminal Court. Ekmekçi claimed, “This conspiracy was orchestrated by selectively using my tweets and YouTube broadcasts.”
Ekmekçi, who was released at the first hearing on Oct. 22, was rearrested after an appeal by the prosecution and sent to Bakırköy Women’s Closed Penal Institution. Representatives from the Istanbul and Antalya bar associations, the Rights Initiative Association, Mazlum-Der, and former HDP MP Musa Piroğlu attended the hearing, alongside observers.
Court rejects release request, lawyer removed from courtroom
During the hearing, attorney Ömer Kavili criticized the court for its handling of witness testimony, claiming it was a pretext to prolong Ekmekçi’s detention. Kavili urged the panel to “return to the rule of law.” The prosecution opposed an immediate acquittal request by Ekmekçi's legal team, stating that the evidence needed further examination. The court denied the acquittal motion.
Kavili questioned the basis of the prosecution's case, asking, “What evidence does the prosecutor plan to discuss?” He also criticized the prosecutor for including tweets in the indictment, saying, “I wonder how the prosecutor passed criminal law courses.”
Ekmekçi argued in her defense statement that her social media activity and program content were selectively used to portray her as guilty. “Even tweets I did not write or those quoting me were included in the indictment,” she said. She also criticized the omission of her personal narratives about her victimization, labeling the charges an attack on her freedom of expression.
Witness testimony and allegations
Witness Mehmet Talat Ertürk, participating via SEGBİS (audio-visual system), claimed he knew Ekmekçi from a paternity case and alleged she had entered and damaged his father’s gravesite. When asked about any knowledge of her alleged organizational ties, Ertürk referred to her social media activity, saying, “I discovered a dangerous state enemy.”
The court noted allegations of outside assistance to the witness during testimony. When the witness confirmed the presence of his lawyer, the court directed the lawyer to join the audience, sparking objections from Ekmekçi's legal team.
Disruptions and next steps
Kavili was removed from the courtroom after speaking without permission, though he stated, “I respect the bench; do not take it personally,” before exiting.
Following a break, Ekmekçi's lawyer, Murat Sadak, criticized the case, saying, “Beyond social media interactions, what evidence exists? Why the FETÖ [Fethullahist Terrorist Organization] connection?” He requested Ekmekçi’s release, urging the court to adhere to the principles of law.
Despite defense requests for acquittal and release, the court ruled to continue Ekmekçi’s detention, sending the case to the prosecution for the preparation of the final opinion. The court also decided to file a criminal complaint against Kavili for his conduct during the hearing.
The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 31.
