Court Orders Release of 58 Protesters Detained in Saraçhane Demonstrations
protest
A Turkish court has ordered the release of 58 individuals who were detained during protests in Saraçhane in response to operations targeting the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). The court ruled that the detentions were not proportionate, and each defendant should be released individually.
Rights-Based Justification from the Court
The ruling emphasized fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly focusing on the defendants’ status as students. The court cited the following reasons for the decision:
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All defendants have fixed residences and no risk of flight.
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The alleged offense is not classified as a severe or catalog crime.
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Other defendants in similar legal situations had already been released.
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Continued detention would interfere with their education.
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Article 36 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial, must be upheld.
Background: Protests Over İBB Investigations
The mass detentions stemmed from protests that erupted in early 2025, primarily in Saraçhane and other areas of Istanbul, in opposition to judicial operations against the İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Many participants were accused of violating Article 2911, which governs the Law on Public Assemblies and Demonstrations.
Dozens were initially taken into custody as authorities cracked down on what they deemed unauthorized gatherings.