MLSA – Lawyer Gurbet Öner appeared in court today in Diyarbakır, Turkey, facing charges based on the allegations of informant Ümit Akbıyık. Akbıyık's testimonies have led to the detention and investigation of hundreds, including journalists, politicians, and lawyers.
The first hearing of Öner’s trial, where she is accused of "membership in a terrorist organization" due to her legal activities, took place at Diyarbakır 5th High Criminal Court. The session began with identity verification, with Öner and her defense team present.
In her defense statement, Öner denied the charges, asserting that she is being prosecuted for her professional activities. She mentioned that her husband, also a lawyer, had represented Akbıyık at the time, and she had often been involved in the legal proceedings for her husband’s clients. “I performed my duties as a lawyer. I reject the charges against me. I have no connection with any organization as alleged,” she stated.
“Prosecution hinders professional activities”
Following Öner's defense, the prosecution decided to summon informant Ümit Akbıyık for testimony.
Defense lawyer Mehdi Özdemir argued for the immediate acquittal of his client, emphasizing the professional nature of her activities and the legal impropriety of the prosecution without proper authorization. “This case, initiated in 2023 based on Akbıyık's January statements, concerns a practicing lawyer. It is essential to recognize that lawyers performing their duties should not be questioned under any circumstances. This prosecution obstructs professional legal activities. Given these points, we request the immediate acquittal of our client,” Özdemir argued.
Lawyer Abdullah Zeytun further defended Öner, highlighting that there was no direct communication between Akbıyık and Öner, and criticizing the indictment for targeting a member of the Human Rights Association (İHD), which provides legal support to victims of rights violations. “It is unacceptable for our colleague to be prosecuted for her professional activities. We request the lifting of the judicial control order to prevent further hindrance of her professional duties and her immediate acquittal,” Zeytun stated.
After hearing the defense statements, the court decided to adjourn the trial to September 12 for Akbıyık’s testimony.
