Hayri Demir
Six members of the People' Halkevleri (People's Houses) association, including its president Nebiye Merttürk, were acquitted in a trial in Ankara held on 27 March. The group faced charges for allegedly violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstration Marches while trying to deliver a report on COVID-19 precautions in schools to the Ministry of National Education.
During the fourth hearing at the Ankara 50th Criminal Court of First Instance, the defense, represented by lawyer Barış Barışık, argued that the defendants were detained before they could even start their action. They were on their way to present a report on the education system to the ministry when they were arrested. Barışık stressed that their intention was not to hold a meeting or demonstration, but even if it were, it would constitute an exercise of freedom of expression. However, they were detained with rough treatment before reaching the ministry building.
The prosecution, after presenting its opinion, requested the acquittal of the accused, stating that the legal elements of the alleged crime were not constituted. At the end of the trial, all six individuals were acquitted.
The report in question, titled "COVID-19 Precautions in Primary Schools on the Resumption of Formal Education," was prepared by Halkevleri during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group was detained before they could reach the ministry building, and an indictment was prepared accusing them of violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstration Marches.
The Halkevleri, a civil society organization in Turkey, is known for its involvement in educational, cultural, and social issues. The case attracted attention due to the broader context of government and police response to civil society actions, particularly in the realm of education and public health policy during the pandemic.
