Ahead of what might be the final retrial hearing tomorrow of Mücella Yapıcı, Hakan Altınay and Yiğit Ekmekçi, whose initial convictions and 18-year prison sentences in connection with mass protests in 2013 were overturned last year, Milena Buyum. Amnesty International’s Senior Turkey Campaigner, said:
“The court has a responsibility to end the politically motivated prosecution of Mücella Yapıcı, Hakan Altınay and Yiğit Ekmekçi, and to acknowledge the chronicle of injustice they have suffered. Over the course of more than seven years, prosecuting authorities have repeatedly failed to provide any evidence to substantiate charges laid against them, shown to be baseless.
“Their unfair prosecution – and that of the other four Gezi Park Prisoners of Conscience – has not only resulted in grave violations of their rights but also became a shameful example of the way in which Türkiye’s justice system has become a tool of political repression.”
The prosecution of the Gezi Park Prisoners of Conscience is a shameful example of the way in which Türkiye’s justice system has become a tool of political repression
“All three must be acquitted of all charges and their acquittals must be followed by the immediate release of Osman Kavala & the other four Gezi Prisoners of Conscience who continue to unjustly suffer in jail.”
Background
In April 2022, Mücella Yapıcı, Hakan Altınay and Yiğit Ekmekçi were convicted with Çiğdem Mater, Tayfun Kahraman, Mine Özerden and Can Atalay of aiding Osman Kavala in “attempting to overthrow the government” for their alleged role in the 2013 Gezi Park Protests.
On 28 September 2023, the Court of Cassation overturned the convictions and 18-year sentences of Mücella Yapıcı, Yiğit Ekmekçi, and Hakan Altınay, stating they could face new charges under the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations (Law No. 2911), if their participation in unlawful demonstrations can be established.
The retrial of Hakan Altınay, Yiğit Ekmekçi and Mücella Yapıcı for violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations (Law No. 2911) began in February 2024.
Amnesty International has underscored on previous occasions how the Gezi case is a politically-motivated prosecution and a betrayal of justice, which contravenes a binding decision of the European Court of Human Rights.
