POLITURCO / ZAMAN.MK
A wave of outrage has swept through Turkey following the indictment of 15 teenage girls for activities as simple as socializing, attending the opera, and studying together. Prominent figures from various sectors of Turkish society, including artists, politicians, and human rights activists, have spoken out against the case, which they view as a troubling example of overreach by the Turkish judicial system.
Musician Suavi took to social media, questioning how the teenage defendants were turned into “terrorists” for engaging in perfectly legal and harmless activities. He lamented, “How are 15 of our girls judged as terrorists for their legal actions?” Suavi’s frustration mirrors a broader sentiment that the charges are both unfounded and unjust.
Public relations expert Gönül, expressing deep concern, called the prosecution a blatant attempt to suppress young women’s rights. She emphasized the importance of raising one’s voice, warning, “Tomorrow, your own child could be judged in that courtroom.”
Politician and businessman Nuthan Çetinkaya added his voice to the discourse, reflecting on the country’s history of internal strife. “The oppression you impose on each other is something no outsider could do to you,” he commented. Drawing comparisons between today’s unrest and the political turmoil of the 1980s, Çetinkaya pointed out that Turkey has long struggled with internal conflicts, now manifesting in this case.
Meanwhile, writer, musician, and actress Hilal Nesin denounced the charges leveled at the girls, mocking the prosecutor’s questions during the trial. “What should they have done instead? Form gangs and sell drugs?” Nesin’s criticism underlined the absurdity many feel surrounds the case.
Human rights activist Cemre Birand highlighted the removal of prominent politician and activist Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu from the courtroom. Birand sharply criticized the lack of action from opposition parties, suggesting their absence was an insult to democracy.
Adding to the chorus, lawyer Lale Demirkazan revealed that despite combing through a 529-page indictment, no criminal elements were found. This finding bolsters claims that the charges are baseless.
Finally, human rights advocate Natali Avazyan issued a call for solidarity, urging the public to gather at the Çağlayan Courthouse in support of the girls, stating, “We will stand with our girls for democracy.”
The case has ignited public debate over the role of the judiciary in policing personal freedoms, particularly for women and young people. As the trial continues, critics are increasingly framing it as a battle over fundamental rights in Turkey, with widespread implications for the future of civil liberties in the country.