Charges against Boğaziçi University students changed in protest case over Shahmaran-Kaaba artwork
In the trial of seven Boğaziçi University students, originally charged with "inciting hatred and enmity" over an artwork depicting a Shahmaran figure alongside the Kaaba, the prosecution has modified the charges to "insulting religious values." The case, which is part of the broader protests against the appointment of a government-backed rector at Boğaziçi, has been ongoing for three years.
During the 12th hearing held today at the Istanbul 21st Criminal Court of First Instance, the defense lawyers challenged the expert report, arguing that it overstepped its boundaries by forming conclusions reserved for the court. They requested a new report to assess whether public order had indeed been disrupted, as claimed in the indictment, but the court rejected this request.
The prosecution presented its final opinion, suggesting that the students be punished for "insulting religious values" instead of "inciting hatred." The defense requested additional time to prepare their response, and the next hearing is set for February 21, 2025.
Background of the case
The case stems from protests that erupted after the appointment of a government trustee as the rector of Boğaziçi University on January 2, 2021. As part of these protests, an art exhibition was held on the university’s South Campus, featuring anonymous works, including an image combining the Kaaba, LGBTQ+ flags, and the mythological Shahmaran figure. The Boğaziçi University Islamic Studies Club condemned the artwork as "immoral," and Yeni Şafak, a pro-government newspaper, published a report claiming the image had been placed on the ground. This led to public statements targeting the students from figures like the President of Religious Affairs, Ali Erbaş, and then-Ministers Süleyman Soylu and Abdulhamit Gül. Seven students were detained; two were jailed, while five were placed under house arrest. The two jailed students were released after 47 days.
