4-day ban on gatherings in İzmir following 'Kobani Case' verdict

The Kobani Case, in which 108 individuals including Selahattin Demirtaş, Figen Yüksekdağ, and Ahmet Türk were tried, has concluded.

The 83rd hearing of the case was held on May 16. In the 130-page verdict, Selahattin Demirtaş was sentenced to 42 years and 6 months, Figen Yüksekdağ to 30 years and 3 months, and Ahmet Türk to 10 years in prison.

According to a statement released on the official website of the İzmir Governor's Office, all types of open-air meetings and demonstration marches, mass welcoming and farewell ceremonies, press statements, sit-in protests, rallies, tent setups, signature campaigns, stand openings, memorial ceremonies, festivals, concerts, entertainment, games, demonstrations, and similar actions and events related to this matter have been banned in the city. The announcement also stated that the ban, which began as of May 16, will remain in effect until 23:59 on May 19.

The statement included the following remarks:

It is assessed that individuals or groups sympathetic to the terrorist organization may gather at various points in our province to engage in acts praising the PKK/KCK terrorist organization and its leader Abdullah Öcalan, that actions negatively affecting the life and property safety of citizens may occur, that unlawful processes may be initiated, and that opposing groups may come together, potentially leading to undesirable incidents.

Considering the need to prevent provocative actions that damage our national unity and solidarity, to establish national security, public order and safety, to protect the fundamental characteristics of the Republic and the indivisible integrity of the State with its country and nation, to prevent potential illegal acts and avoid regrettable incidents, and given the serious indications that public order and safety will be disrupted to a degree that would stop or interrupt daily life, in order to ensure the safety of life and property, the inviolability of the person, the security regarding disposal, and public welfare;

In accordance with the provisions of Articles 17 and 19 of the Law on Meetings and Demonstration Marches No. 2911 and Article 11 of the Provincial Administration Law No. 5442; a decision has been made to ban all types of open-air meetings and demonstration marches, mass welcoming and farewell ceremonies, press statements, sit-in protests, rallies, tent setups, signature campaigns, stand openings, memorial ceremonies, festivals, concerts, entertainment, games, demonstrations, and similar actions and events related to the 'We Insist on Democratic Politics! We Will Overcome the Setups Through Solidarity of Peoples and United Struggle, October 6-8 Terror Events case' for a period of 4 (four) days from 17:30 on 16.05.2024 to 23:59 on 19.05.2024, throughout the entire provincial borders of İzmir, including the city center and districts (Geographical Area-City Center, Districts/all Police and Gendarmerie responsibility zones).

News Source: 12punto