ISTANBUL – 12 of 13 people tried between 2013 and 2015 were sentenced to a total of 159 years in prison on charges of “terrorist organization membership” and “financing terrorist organization.” Lawyer Sinan Zincir described the verdict as proof that “the Istanbul Courthouse is showing resistance to the peace process.”
The case dates back to a 2012 investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, in which several politicians were detained. After being released, 12 persons were later indicted, and the case turned into a trial held over several years.
At the 39th hearing on 28 October before the Istanbul 13th High Criminal Court, one defendant, Erdem Tüsü, was dismissed due to his death, while the remaining 12 received a combined 159 years in prison. The court also ordered their arrests, one was detained in the courtroom, and warrants were issued for the others.
‘THE FILE WAS PREPARED BY THE GÜLEN NETWORK’
Lawyer Sinan Zincir said the case had been constructed by members of the Gülen movement, many of whom were later expelled or fled abroad following the July 15 coup attempt. “We stated in court that those who prepared this file were Fethullahists. While similar cases from that period have ended in acquittals, cases involving Kurds and revolutionaries continue with the same fabricated evidence and unlawful methods,” he said.
Zincir noted that the accusations were based on participation in events and statements calling for an end to Abdullah Öcalan’s isolation. He added: “In 2013, Mr. Öcalan’s peace message was read in Diyarbakır under state supervision. Yet those who attended the Newroz celebration in Istanbul or opposed the İmralı isolation are being punished today.”
CONTRADICTIONS IN THE CASE
The evidence included phone conversations with family members, which were interpreted as proof of participation in demonstrations. Zincir said: “The entire case was built on communication records and the statement of a single informant. They used this to justify severe punishment.”
‘RESISTANCE WITHIN THE JUDICIARY’
Zincir argued that the verdicts show resistance within the judiciary to the Peace and Democratic Solution Process. “While Kurds take every step for peace and thousands of political prisoners wait for release, the continuation of such trials causes deep frustration. The judiciary resists the process — these rulings contradict the spirit of peace,” he said.
He added that during the hearing, they reminded the court that these rulings affect families and Kurdish society as a whole. “If there is truly a peace process, it must be reciprocal. Arresting our people and handing down heavy sentences for democratic participation means that certain factions within the state are resisting peace,” he said.
Zincir also noted that the same court had arrested one of his clients for depositing money for his daughter in prison, labeling it “financing a terrorist organization.” When asked for the justification, the court reportedly said, “If the charge is membership or financing, we automatically order arrest.”
‘HIGHER COURTS MUST REVIEW THE CASE’
He emphasized that the appeals and constitutional review processes should have been awaited, saying, “We believe this verdict will be overturned. By embracing peace and Mr. Öcalan’s strong will for a solution, we will overcome such injustices. Those resisting peace will ultimately fail.”
‘THE COURT’S RECORD IS WELL KNOWN’
Defendant Cüneyt Yeşilyurt, a member of the Association for Solidarity with Families of Detainees (TUAD), described the ruling as politically motivated and inconsistent with the ongoing peace efforts. Zincir concluded: “There was no illegal act in any of the alleged events. The 13th High Criminal Court’s record is clear, we all know its decisions in other high-profile cases. On the same evening our arrest orders were issued, police came twice to my family’s home. Such rulings contradict the spirit of peace and coexistence. Real legal reform and reversal of such unlawful decisions are urgently needed.”
MA / Omer Ibrahimoglu