Istanbul Prosecutors Demand Prison Terms for Saraçhane Protesters

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has finalized an indictment seeking prison sentences of up to three years for 139 individuals who were detained following the March 22 protest in Saraçhane, organized in response to a CHP-led public call. The charges are based on violations of Turkey’s Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations.

According to the indictment, 104 of the accused remain in custody, while separate investigations continue into allegations of resisting law enforcement and insulting the President, directed at the same individuals.

Protests Banned from March 19–23, Yet Crowds Gathered

The indictment states that the CHP called on citizens to gather outside the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) headquarters and in Saraçhane Park starting March 19. Despite a ban on public demonstrations imposed by the Istanbul Governor’s Office between March 19 and 23, citizens reportedly continued to gather in protest.

Prosecutors claimed that protesters clashed with police lines and engaged in disorderly conduct during the demonstrations.

Detainees Deny Charges, Say Protest Was Voluntary

Most of the accused, during police interrogation and court testimony, said they joined the protest of their own free will and were not influenced by any political group. The participants rejected all charges, insisting their presence was peaceful and self-motivated.

However, the prosecution contended that the group acted in “ideological and operational unity”, and sought prison terms ranging from six months to three years under the Turkish Penal Code.

Additional Charges: Insulting the President and Resisting Police

Besides the violation of demonstration laws, prosecutors also flagged allegations of:

• Obstructing public officials

• Insulting the President

While these accusations are still under separate investigation, they have not yet been turned into formal court cases, but are being reviewed independently.

Court Accepts Indictment, Awaiting Case Schedule

The 49th Criminal Court of First Instance in Istanbul has formally accepted the indictment. However, as reported by Cumhuriyet, the case schedule (tensip zaptı) has not yet been issued. Defense attorneys are currently waiting for the court to set a trial date and proceed with initial hearings.