Eylem Sonbahar
Dilek Ekmekçi, a lawyer who was on trial for alleged "membership in a terrorist organization," has been sentenced to 1 year and 13 months in prison for "aiding a terrorist organization." The court ruled for her release with a travel ban.
Ekmekçi was arrested after filing a criminal complaint against figures linked to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and its affiliated Grey Wolves organization, accusing them of involvement in the assassination of Sinan Ateş, a former leader of the Grey Wolves, and of threatening her. The fifth hearing of her trial was held at the 24th High Criminal Court in Istanbul.
Brought from Bakırköy Women’s Closed Prison under gendarmerie escort, Ekmekçi was present in the courtroom, where representatives from bar associations in Istanbul, Muş, Gaziantep, and Bitlis attended the session in solidarity.
Prosecutor dropped "membership" charge but sought conviction for "aiding"
The prosecutor reiterated his previous legal opinion and called for Ekmekçi to remain in detention. He stated that no evidence was found to support the charge of "membership in a terrorist organization." However, he argued that she was in "constant and intense interaction" with YouTube channels and social media accounts allegedly operated by individuals linked to the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), the group Ankara accuses of orchestrating the 2016 coup attempt. The prosecutor claimed that Ekmekçi played a role in amplifying the content of fugitive journalist Cevheri Güven, prepared the public for his videos, and targeted state officials through them. He also alleged that she contributed to the spread of content from media outlets such as Bold Medya and TR724 TV, which are accused of operating under FETÖ’s influence. Based on these claims, the prosecutor requested a conviction for "aiding FETÖ/PDY."
Ekmekçi: "Associating me with any organization beyond my profession is an insult"
Responding to the prosecutor's opinion, Ekmekçi defended herself, saying, "Mehmet Talat Ertürk, who was heard as a witness in the previous hearing, proved how justified we are. Despite submitting news reports proving that I fought against FETÖ, I am being accused of being a member. Now, the prosecutor claims I aided them. I am a feminist woman, and associating me with any organization other than my professional bar association is the greatest insult to me." She demanded acquittal and immediate release.
Her lawyer, Ömer Kavili, criticized the prosecution, saying, "The principle of adherence to the indictment binds all three judges in this panel, but it also binds the prosecutor. Yet, we have a new prosecutor in this session, who immediately demanded continued detention. This legal opinion is not only unlawful but was also not properly presented for those attending the trial for the first time today." After his statement, Kavili left the courtroom.
Another defense lawyer, Murat Sadak, argued that the case was built solely on Ekmekçi’s social media activity, stating, "The prosecutor's entire argument rests on her posts and interactions. It is legally baseless to interpret mere social media posts as aiding FETÖ. None of the alleged acts constitute aiding a terrorist organization."
Ekmekçi: "I've been fighting against smear campaigns for four years"
Sadak also pointed out that during the previous hearing, Ekmekçi’s 86-year-old mother had cried when the court refused to release her. "I mention an elderly woman’s tears, and the prosecutor laughs," he said, to which the presiding judge responded, "Do not take it personally."
In her final statement, Ekmekçi reiterated her defense: "I have been fighting against these smear campaigns for four years. I do not want my mother to suffer any longer. I demand my acquittal and release without judicial control measures."
After a recess, the court sentenced Ekmekçi to 1 year and 13 months in prison for "knowingly and willingly aiding a terrorist organization." However, it ruled for her release under a travel ban.
