The second hearing of the trial of 53 people detained during the 23rd Istanbul Pride March was held on December 24 at Istanbul 51st Criminal Court of First Instance. Due to the number of defendants, the hearing was moved to another courtroom, 104 police officers were deployed around the courthouse, and members of the press were prevented from following the hearing. The defendants and their lawyers described the violence used during the arrests, the failure to show the ban order, and the targeting of journalists. The court decided to hear the incomplete defenses and evaluate the testimony of some police officers as witnesses, postponing the hearing until June 5.
December 24, 2025
bianet