The trial of journalist Can Öztürk and 14 students detained during a protest at Istanbul’s Boğaziçi University was adjourned to Jan. 12, 2026, after the court ordered the forced appearance of police officers who failed to attend the hearing as complainants.
The case stems from a February protest against the invitation of Nurettin Yıldız—a controversial Islamic cleric and head of the Social Fabric Foundation, known for remarks seen as legitimizing child marriage—to speak at Boğaziçi University. Öztürk, a reporter for the independent Turkish news outlet T24, was covering the protest when he was detained by police alongside the students.
Öztürk and the students are charged with “resisting to prevent the fulfillment of duty” and “participating in an unlawful assembly and demonstration without arms and refusing to disperse despite warnings.” The first hearing was held at Istanbul’s 69th Criminal Court of First Instance, but due to inadequate courtroom space, the session was moved to the courtroom of the 24th High Criminal Court.
Represented by the Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA), journalist Can Öztürk was present in court along with his attorney Hazal Sümeli and the other defendants. Following identity checks, Sümeli requested that Öztürk’s case be separated from the students’ since he was present as a journalist, but the judge denied the motion.
Öztürk: “I was injured and detained while doing my job”
In his defense statement, Öztürk said, “I am a journalist who works both in the field and in the corridors of this very courthouse. I was at Boğaziçi University’s North Campus that day on assignment from my newsroom, T24. I reported live and sent updates to my colleagues Sibel and Sena. I also shared videos on Twitter.”
He described how police entered the campus and began surrounding students, forcing him into the middle of the crowd. “As police pushed forward, some students fell onto my arms and legs. As noted in my medical report, I suffered bruises on my body,” he said.
Öztürk recounted that despite clearly identifying himself as a journalist, he was targeted and detained. “Police officers dragged me into the blockade. They strangled me and ripped my press card from my neck by pulling the lanyard. I was handcuffed behind my back and taken into custody. Along with the others, I was kept in handcuffs for more than eight hours. We had to beg to use the bathroom. Despite having a genetic liver condition, I was denied food for a long time.”
“I should be covering this case, not standing trial”
Continuing his defense, Öztürk said, “In the nearly five months since my release, I have written hundreds of news reports. I believe I have fulfilled my journalistic duties in the best way possible. My application for a turquoise press card was approved, and I now hold a press card issued by the Presidency.”
He concluded: “Instead of being on trial here, I should be with my fellow journalists in the audience, reporting on this case. Not only was I prevented from doing my job during the protest, but now this trial process is further victimizing me. I request my acquittal.”
MLSA attorney cites assignment letter and press card
Following Öztürk’s statement, attorney Hazal Sümeli emphasized that her client had been formally assigned to cover the protest by his newsroom and had submitted his press card during the investigation. “Can was at the scene as part of his professional duties, and there is official documentation to prove this. He was performing his job as a journalist. We request his acquittal,” Sümeli said.
Students also testify to police violence
Six of the student defendants who were arrested during the protest and held in pre-trial detention for 15 days gave their defense statements prior to Öztürk’s. Their testimonies detailed excessive use of force and violations of procedural rights during their arrests.
After the defense statements, the court announced a recess. When the session resumed, the court ordered the forced appearance of the police officers who had not attended the hearing. The court also ruled that all defendants are exempt from appearing at future hearings unless specifically summoned.
The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026.
