An indictment was prepared against university student Esila Ayık, who was arrested for carrying a sign reading “Dictator Erdoğan” during a protest in Kadıköy, Istanbul, on charges of “insulting the President”. A total of three people will be tried together with Ayık, with the demand of imprisonment from 1 year and 2 months to 4 years and 8 months.
The indictment prepared by Istanbul Anatolian Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that the suspects took photos with banners with the silhouette of President Erdoğan and the phrases “Dictator Erdoğan” and “Don’t Bow Down” written on them.
Ayık, who has been under arrest for more than a month, said in his defense that he had received the tattoo from someone he did not know and that he only attended the event to take a photo. He did not accept the accusations.
If the indictment is accepted by the Anatolian Criminal Court of First Instance, three people will be charged with “publicly insulting the President”.
13.05.2025
Gazete Oksijen