Ayşe Barım: Arrested for monopolizing star casting, indicted for rebellion against the state
ayse barim
The investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office into Ayşe Barım, a talent manager of TV stars, has been completed. Barım, who was investigated based on allegations that she favored the talents she managed on a pro-government TV channel, was barred from leaving the country on January 10 when the prosecutor’s office launched an ex officio (on its own initiative) investigation. Three days later, a formal travel ban was imposed on Barım, now she is indicted for rebellion facing 30 years jail time.
In the indictment prepared as a result of the investigation, it was requested that the detained Barım be sentenced to between 22 years and 6 months to 30 years in prison for the crime of “aiding an attempt to overthrow the Government of the Republic of Turkey or to partially or completely prevent it from fulfilling its duties through force and violence.”
The indictment approved by the prosecutor’s office was sent to Istanbul’s 26th High Criminal Court for evaluation.
What happened?
TV100 columnist Fuat Uğur wrote on September 27, 2024, that raids were conducted on certain production companies and agencies on the grounds of “cartelization and abuse of dominance in the market.”
Months later, Ayşe Barım, co-founder of ID İletişim, which manages many famous actors, came to the forefront with allegations of monopolizing the sector and excluding actors who opposed her from the market.
On January 8, the Competition Authority launched an investigation into 21 companies, including ID İletişim, based on findings from their research on whether casting agencies had violated the “Law on the Protection of Competition.”
On January 10, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated an ex officio investigation and imposed a travel ban on Barım. Three days later, the travel ban was officially enforced.
On January 26, the same prosecutor’s office launched a new ex officio investigation against Barım, this time based on media allegations that she was among the planners of the “Gezi Park protests” that occurred 12 years ago. The next day, Barım was arrested for “aiding an attempt to overthrow the government or to prevent it from fulfilling its duties.”
During this process, the statements of many actors managed by ID İletişim were taken.
Barım’s lawyer appealed her detention to the criminal court of peace. The court rejected the appeal and ruled for the continuation of her detention.
Barım’s lawyer then made another appeal to the Criminal Court of First Instance.
On February 17, the Criminal Court of First Instance ruled for Barım’s release. However, before she could be released, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office appealed the decision. Agreeing with the prosecutor’s objection, the High Criminal Court issued a new detention order for Barım.
