Büşra Genel
Several university students on trial in Ankara for participating in protests on March 19 have refused to give their defense statements, citing the presence of armed police officers in the courtroom and alleging they were subjected to strip searches while in custody.
The first hearing of the case, involving 23 university students charged with “attending unlawful demonstrations and refusing to disperse despite warnings,” was held at the Ankara 33rd Criminal Court of First Instance. The charges stem from protests that took place following the sentencing of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, a prominent opposition figure, in December 2022. The students had been detained in early-morning police raids after joining demonstrations condemning his conviction.
After confirming the defendants’ identities, the court began hearing arguments. Some defendants and their lawyers were present, and several objected to the presence of armed police officers in the courtroom. Defense attorneys demanded that the officers be identified and removed from the hearing.
Speaking on behalf of the defense team, one of the lawyers stated:
“Armed police officers are present in the courtroom alongside defendants who have alleged being subjected to strip searches. Their presence is illegal. We request the removal of these officers and identification checks be conducted. Furthermore, the courtroom is clearly insufficient. The defendants are forced to stand next to police officers, which obstructs their ability to mount a proper defense. In order to ensure a fair trial, these conditions must be addressed before proceeding.”
“We refuse to testify”
Despite these objections, the presiding judge moved forward with the hearing. Several of the defendants issued a joint statement refusing to provide a defense while armed police remained in the courtroom.
“I was subjected to the torture of a strip search during my detention,” one defendant said. “Being forced to give a defense in the presence of armed police violates my right to a fair trial. Under these conditions, I refuse to testify. I reiterate my earlier statement given at the police station.”
Lawyer Zeki Avcı, representing defendant Deniz Benzer, said several defendants had been repeatedly harassed by police officers since their arrest.
“Individuals identifying themselves as law enforcement continue to contact and harass the students and their families. We do not accept the presence of police officers in the courtroom under these circumstances. I, too, refuse to make a defense,” Avcı said.
Attorney Ümran Hakverdi emphasized that seven female students had been subjected to strip searches and criticized the court for not taking action.
“Even the police launched an internal investigation into the strip search allegations during the preliminary inquiry, yet you still allow armed officers to remain in this courtroom,” she said. “Because the officers present have not been identified, we cannot determine whether any of them were involved in the alleged mistreatment. I request that this be taken into account, and I refuse to present a defense.”
The judge postponed the trial to May 7, 2026.
