01/03/2024 | Writer: Selma Koçak
Second trial of the case was heard today. 18 people on charge were acquitted.
Photograph: MLSA
The second hearing of the case against 18 people detained for participating in the 3rd Eskişehir Pride March in July 2023 was held today (March 1) at the Eskişehir 4th Penal Court of First Instance and 18 people on charge were acquitted.
Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA) followed the hearing and shared information regarding the case on their social media account (X):
“During the hearing, six people accused in a lawsuit, along with their legal representatives, were present. It was disclosed that footage capturing the moment of apprehension, previously requested from the Eskişehir Security Directorate, had been incorporated into the case dossier. Abdullah İkbal Arslanbaş, who had refrained from presenting a defense during the previous hearing, asserted that he had been present in the designated area for the march in his capacity as a lawyer and emphasized that the police intervention had occurred without prior warning. Arslanbaş highlighted the lack of legal predictability, stating, ‘Protesting results in immediate detention.’ Legal representatives of the defendants contended that the court’s decision to obtain an expert report regarding the newly obtained footage would unnecessarily prolong the trial and potentially subject the defendants to further victimization, advocating for acquittal. In its assessment of the case, the prosecution recommended acquittal, citing insufficient evidence to establish the elements of the offense.”
What happened?
The police had forcibly prevented to exercise the constitutional right of LGBTI+ activists, who gathered in front of Hasan Polatkan Cultural Center for Pride March at 14.00 pm, on July 9, in Eskişehir and the police had detained 18 people participated in the Eskişehir LGBTI+ Pride March. The press statement, which was blockaded by the police, included the following remarks:
“Just to spite those who desire to segregate us into ghettos, we say that the whole city is ours. We are raising our struggle for existence from campuses to streets! We know that the ruling AKP is the inheritor of the fascist junta in the 90s. Our anger and rebellion are also surging in against those who disregard transgender people trying to be exiled from their homes in Bayram Street and Bornova Street with the cooperation of the state and the gangs. The government overtly violates the Constitution via every hate speech and disregards the principal of equal citizenship. You are speaking with authority encouraged by your power right now, however you will definitely be judged as soon as you overthrow. We feel duty to warn you, as we continue to weave the path for peace. What you should do, in the line of your duty, is acting in accordance with the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, instead of oppressing, banning and using violence.”
Tags: human rights
