The Constitutional Court issued that Ayce Celik's freedom of expression was violated. Ayse Celik regained her freedom and rejoined her 1,5 year old daughter. This decision is celebrated by everyone one. Most of all the 38 people who signed her statements in support to her but who were not given the same sentence, and around 50.000 people who signed the change.org campaign and addressed the constitutional court.
The Constitutional Court, stated that non-violent opinions can not be accepted as "terrorist propaganda." The court pointed out that interpreting the "propaganda" crime as an abstract threat crime will put pressure on constitutional rights and liberties, specifically freedom of expression. They expressed that these kinds of interventions threat and harm democracy.
Nevertheless, a vital point is being missed both by the Constitutional Court and news agencies covering the developments:
-Ayse Celik was put on trial for her statements asking for peace, but she was not penalized for these words.
-The penalty was given, asking "why didn't you also tell about this?" and this was considered "terrorist propaganda".
The Constitutional Court, missing this legal absurdity, emphasizes that Ayse Celik's words are protected by the right for freedom of expression. The decision despite being uplifting, comes short. Since the decision might easily be a precedent for many other trials, including the Academics and the TTB trials.
The case will be heard again by the Bakirkoy 2nd criminal court after the Constitutional Court's decision in order to resolve the violation. We will continue to stand by her…
10.05.2019
dusun-think.net