Belgian student Esila Ayık, who has been detained in Istanbul since April 9 on charges of “insulting the president”, and two other students were released.
Ayık was detained on April 8 for taking a photo with a banner reading “Dictator Erdoğan” at a youth event in Kadıköy and was arrested the next day and sent to Bakırköy Women’s Prison. A lawsuit was filed against her, demanding up to four years and eight months in prison.
At the first hearing held today at the 77th Criminal Court of First Instance at the Anatolian Courthouse, Ayık stated that she had been studying photography in Belgium and had only attended the event to take photographs. He stated that he held the banner in his hand for a short time and did not know that it carried criminal elements. Drawing attention to his health problems, Ayık said that the conditions in prison made his treatment difficult.
His lawyer Göksun Canberk Uluğ emphasized that Ayık is at risk due to heart and kidney problems. The other two students also denied the charges.
The prosecution requested the continuation of detention for the three students, but the court released all three defendants.
15.05.2025
Diken