MLSA - During a hearing today in Istanbul, a lawyer for the Ministry of Interior requested the dissolution of the Tarlabaşı Community Support Association, accusing it of engaging in activities contrary to law and morality, specifically citing "LGBT propaganda." The case, which opened on grounds of legal and moral violations, was adjourned until October 21 by the Istanbul 18th Civil Court of First Instance to allow examination of the criminal files against two association directors.
The court set up barriers near the courtroom entrance, directing the press and public observers to stay outside these barriers. Due to the small size of the courtroom, many had to follow the proceedings from the doorway.
The hearing was attended by representatives from the Swedish Consulate and the Association for Monitoring Equal Rights. Lawyers Sevgi Kalan Güvercin and Selmin Cansu Demir represented the association. Lawyers from the Ministry of Family and Social Services also advocated for the association's dissolution. The Istanbul 2nd Bar Association requested involvement in the case, which the judge agreed to consider upon receipt of a formal petition.
The Ministry of Interior’s attorney argued that the defendant association conducted unauthorized press and educational activities and influenced children's sexual identities through LGBT propaganda. Therefore, he contended that the association's purpose had become contrary to law and morality, warranting its dissolution. The Ministry of Family and Social Services supported this motion.
The association's lawyers stated that they would review the documents received and submit their written statements. They argued that there was no merit to the allegations against their clients concerning the ongoing criminal case against two directors at the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance.
The court decided to request the case files from the Istanbul 2nd Criminal Court of First Instance and to review the investigation file numbered 2021/146140 from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office for the Protection of the Family and Prevention of Violence Against Women. The hearing was postponed to allow time for these reviews.
