13/06/2025 | Writer: Kaos GL
In the parliamentary question she submitted, Saki asked Minister Yusuf Tekin whether the criminalization of actions such as rainbow stairs, Gezi commemorations, or support for the Palestinian people is legally justifiable.
DEM Party Istanbul MP Özgül Saki brought the disciplinary investigation launched against eight students at Koç University to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
In the written parliamentary question submitted for response by Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, Saki stated that the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful protest, and the expression of thought had been violated.
Saki emphasized that the disciplinary proceedings against the students were based on political motives, that there was no concrete evidence, and that the students were being targeted. Noting that similar disciplinary proceedings were being carried out simultaneously at many universities, Saki asked the following questions in her motion:
Has the Ministry received any notification or assessment regarding the disciplinary investigation launched against eight students at Koç University?
Is there any concrete evidence regarding the students in question, or are the investigations solely based on assumptions?
To the Ministry’s knowledge, how many students across universities in Turkey have been subjected to disciplinary investigations over the past two years on the grounds of freedom of expression, expression of thought, or peaceful protest?
Is the investigation of student activities in this manner not a practice that violates freedom of expression in higher education?
Within the context of constitutionally protected fundamental rights, is the criminalization of actions such as rainbow stairs, Gezi commemorations, or support for the people of Palestine legally justifiable?
Does the Ministry plan to initiate any inspection or inquiry regarding efforts to suppress student protests at universities?
What happened?
On March 19, following the detention and subsequent arrest of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, university administrations continued to open investigations against students who participated in the ensuing protests.
Recently, eight students at Koç University were subjected to disciplinary investigation for painting the stairs of the Henry Ford Building in rainbow colors for Pride Month.
Another disciplinary case came from Hacettepe University. One of the stated reasons for the investigation was the students' participation in a press statement on campus opposing the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Click- University administrations intimidate LGBTİ+ protests on campuses
Tags: human rights
