Insult case against 16-year-old high school student for allegedly insulting Erdoğan

In Istanbul's Sarıyer district, the trial of a 16-year-old high school student, who was detained on allegations of insulting President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, is ongoing. President Erdoğan's lawyer has intervened in the case and requested that the student be punished.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In the incident that occurred on May 12, it was alleged that the high school student used profanity during the passage of President Erdoğan's motorcade. Following this, the child was detained under the instructions of the Presidential security detail. In his statement while in custody, the student stated that he had been in a traffic accident six months prior and was reacting to a vehicle approaching at high speed on the day of the incident. Stating that he did not act with the intent to insult, the student argued that he reacted only out of fear and reflex.

The Istanbul 1st Criminal Court of Peace decided to release the child under judicial control, requiring him to sign in once a week and imposing a travel ban. However, the child's lawyer, Kardelen Ateşci, appealed this decision and requested the removal of the judicial control conditions. The court rejected the appeal but later lifted the judicial control condition in subsequent hearings.

TESTIMONIES REVEALED

In the hearing held on November 12, police officer Emine G., who serves at the Presidential Protection Branch Directorate, was heard as a witness. Emine G. stated that she heard profanity during the passage of the motorcade and intervened in the incident to initiate official proceedings.

The court decided to request camera footage from the Sarıyer District Police Department from before and after the passage of the Presidential motorcade at the time of the incident. Furthermore, it was ruled that another Presidential security officer who signed the report regarding the incident should also be heard as a witness in the hearing.

CASE ADJOURNED

The court adjourned the hearing to December 10, 2024. The student's lawyer stated that they are waiting for evidence to emerge that will prove their client's innocence.

News Source: 12punto