22/05/2023 | Writer: Selma Koçak
The TTM closure case, awaiting a verdict, was postponed again. Earlier on the trial, right defenders said “Human rights are greater than the cases aim to intimidate.”
Two separate lawsuits were brought against Association for Supporting Tarlabaşı Community (Tarlabaşı Community Center / TTM) which has been working to provide safe places especially for children and women for fifteen years. The Community Center, which has been targeted by the media more than one year, learned about the suit filed against it via media once again. Fourth trial of the case was heard at the İstanbul 18th Civil Court of First Instance today (May 22).
“Human rights are greater than intimidation cases”
Earlier on the trial, in which the verdict is expected to be announced, rights defenders made a press statement in front of Çağlayan Courthouse. The press statement read by lawyer Polat Yamaner included the phrase “Our tenacity will not be exhausted by lawsuits.”
Reminding the cases brought against TTM, Yamaner continued the press statement as follows:
“We, as members, employees, supporters and lovers of Association for Supporting Tarlabaşı Community, are aware our power arising from our rightfulness. We know that a just, an egalitarian, a free and a human rights-based world is possible. We demand an immediate end to the oppression against non-governmental organizations working for this ideal. We hope that this case, for which we expect a verdict to be announced today, will be resulted in favor of human rights and the association will continue to work safely.
And finally, regardless of its consequence, this case will not be able to stop studies and activities of Tarlabaşı Community Center; our tenacity will not be exhausted by lawsuits! Since human rights are greater than the cases aim to intimidate!”
The case was postponed for an additional report
Following the press statement, right defenders entered in and went to the court to follow the trial. The trial was again heard without audiences due to the small size of the courtroom. Only lawyers, press and TTM executives were allowed to attend hearing.
While a verdict was expected to be announced, the case was postponed once again for the preparation of an additional report following the objections to the expert report. Next trial will be heard on October 9, at 10.00 am.
Determination of absence case had also been postponed
The third trail of the determination of absence case against TTM had been heard on May 9, at the Istanbul 8th Civil Court of Peace. Since the verdict had not been returned, this case had also been postponed to October 5.
Tags: human rights
