Two more people among 17, who made criminal complaints against themselves at the Prosecutor’s Office with a civil disobedience protest to support signatory academics of the Peace Petition of the Academics for Peace Initiative, stood trial. The next hearing of Şanar Yurdatapan, who stood trial in his first hearing at Istanbul 13th Assize Court, was scheduled to November 6, 2019 at 13:30. The next hearing of Necmiye Alpay, who stood trial in her first hearing at Istanbul 33rd Assize Court, was scheduled to November 29, 2019 at 13:30.
In his defense statement, Yurdatapan almost judged the judiciary. He indicated separate lawsuits filed against 17 disobedient civilians due to the same protest, stating that the court is also taking part in this misconduct by accepting the indictment and claiming recusation. The claim was denied. Yurdatapan further indicated that the indictment was prepared with personal interpretations, guesses and judgements of the Prosecutor and that there is no concrete evidence on the charges; claiming immediate acquittal. However, this claim was denied as well. Continuing his defense, Yurdatapan pointed out that the petition of the academics is completely within freedom of expression and that this right is protected by the Constitution. “I would only accept an acquittal which accepts this situation completely,” stated Yurdatapan, indicating that he will object otherwise, even if the court issues a verdict of acquittal for him. When the judge asked, “Would you launch petitions for other social events as well?” Yurdatapan replied, “I am taking part in such activities since 1995, when Yaşar Kemal was put on trial, and I am making criminal complaints against myself since. I have done this for everyone, from all cultures and parts of society. I will continue to do so.”
16.07.2019
dusun.sanaryurdatapan.com