MLSA – The Istanbul Regional Administrative Court overturned the decision not to grant permission for investigation against the police officers on behalf of T24 reporter Can Öztürk, who was battered and detained while covering the protest against Nurettin Yıldız at Boğaziçi University, upon the objection by MLSA Legal Unit. As a result of the decision, a legal process has been opened against the police officers who battered Öztürk.
In its decision, the Administrative Court stated that the act of battery was not related to public duty, and ruled that it was unlawful to request permission even though it was not required to obtain investigation permission. As a result of the final decision, the investigation file against the law enforcement officers who battered Öztürk will be reopened.
Following his detention, Öztürk, who was referred to the Criminal Judgeship of Peace with a request for arrest, was given judicial control measures. An indictment was prepared against Öztürk and 14 students. The first hearing of the case was held on October 13; the second hearing will be held on January 12 at the Istanbul 69th Criminal Court of First Instance.
T24 reporter Can Öztürk, who was covering the Nurettin Yıldız protests held at Boğaziçi University on May 13, 2025, was battered and detained during the protests. Although Öztürk said he was a journalist, he was choked by police and his press card was broken.
A criminal complaint was filed by the MLSA Legal Unit against the law enforcement officers who battered Öztürk. The Istanbul Governor’s Office ruled not to grant investigation permission for the police officers against whom the complaint was made.
An objection was filed by the MLSA Legal Unit to the Istanbul Regional Administrative Court against the Governor's decision. The court ruled on the objection, stating that the act of battery was not related to the police officers' public duty and that the investigation should proceed without needing permission, and thus overturned the Governor's decision.
What had happened?
Nurettin Yıldız, head of the Social Fabric Foundation, who drew criticism for saying that six-year-old girls could get married, was announced to give a lecture at Boğaziçi University on May 13, 2025, invited by the university's Islamic Studies Club.
Following the announcement, university students stated that they would protest the event with Yıldız’s participation on the North Campus. As protest calls increased, the university stated that investigations would be launched against students who participated in the protests and that "no tolerance would be shown" to demonstrations. The protest march was blocked by private security and riot police; 96 students and T24 reporter Can Öztürk were detained under blockade.
Despite saying he was a journalist, Öztürk was battered and detained. His press card was broken and he was choked by law enforcement officers. Öztürk was held for 12 hours in a detention vehicle with his hands cuffed behind his back. In his statement, he said he was shown a photo taken of him while filming during the protest.
Öztürk: “Even though I said I was a journalist, they choked me and said ‘we won't let you publish these images’”
Giving his statement with MLSA Legal Unit present, Öztürk said he was performing his professional duty as shown in the photo presented to him, and that he was doing journalistic work. He stated that although he told the police he was a journalist during the incident, he was choked and threatened with the words: "We won't let you publish these images you took."
