Eylem Sonbahar
Bülent Kılıç, a photojournalist who was pinned to the ground and detained during the 2021 Istanbul Pride March, was acquitted of charges of "resisting a public official" and "openly insulting a public official" in a case heard by the Istanbul 19th Criminal Court of First Instance.
The case stemmed from an incident on June 26, 2021, during the 19th Istanbul LGBTQ+ Pride March, when Kılıç, a former Agence France-Presse (AFP) photojournalist, was attempting to cover the event. He was forcibly detained by police officers, who pinned him to the ground and pressed on his neck. Two police officers later filed complaints against him, leading to the criminal charges.
The fourth and final hearing of the trial took place on Thursday. Kılıç, whose defense was represented by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), did not attend the hearing, but his lawyer Hazal Sümeli was present.
In his final opinion, the prosecutor called for Kılıç's acquittal, stating there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations. Lawyer Sümeli concurred with the prosecutor’s assessment. Following a brief recess, the court announced its decision, acquitting Kılıç of both charges.
The incident involving Kılıç drew widespread criticism at the time, with human rights organizations and press freedom advocates condemning the police's actions as excessive force against a journalist performing his duties. LGBTQ+ Pride Marches in Turkey have faced increasing restrictions in recent years, with authorities frequently banning events and responding with heavy police presence.
The ruling marks a significant moment in Kılıç’s legal battle, which was closely watched by press freedom groups. The MLSA has provided legal assistance to Kılıç throughout the trial process.
