August 17 message from imprisoned Nasuh Mahruki: I refuse to be subjected to this accusation

AKUT founder Nasuh Mahruki released a message from Silivri Prison, where he is currently being held, on the 27th anniversary of the August 17 Marmara Earthquake. Mahruki, who was arrested on July 17 due to a post he shared on his X account on July 15, addressed both AKUT's role in disasters and his reaction to the accusation against him in his message.

Mahruki began his message by saying, "Today is the 27th anniversary of the August 17 Marmara Earthquake, and I have been imprisoned in Silivri for 33 days." Stating that he started civilian search and rescue efforts for mountain and nature accidents, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters with a group of mountaineer friends, Mahruki expressed that AKUT played an important role in the development of volunteerism and civil society awareness in Turkey.

Stating that the August 17 earthquake was a turning point for non-governmental organizations and volunteerism in Turkey, Mahruki noted that AKUT saved the lives of 220 people during that period. Mahruki recalled that in the following years, the association also took part in disaster relief efforts in different countries such as Greece, India, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti, Taiwan, and Mozambique.

Emphasizing that he has written articles on social responsibility, volunteerism, and civic awareness for years, and has participated in television programs and interviews, Mahruki expressed that he does not accept the accusation against him. In his message, he stated, "After more than 30 years of service, I refuse to be subjected to the accusation of 'publicly inciting the people to hatred and hostility' today!"

Mahruki also stated that he has been awarded over 800 plaques and over 2000 certificates of honor, appreciation, and gratitude to date, adding, "Would the free-minded, free-conscienced, and free-thinking Turkish nation show this favor to someone who publicly incites them to hatred and hostility, or could they have shown it? I leave the answer to this question to you."

WHAT IS REQUESTED IN THE INDICTMENT?

Nasuh Mahruki was detained on July 16 due to a post he made on his social media account on July 15 and was arrested on July 17. In the indictment prepared following his arrest, it was requested that Mahruki be punished on the charge of "publicly inciting the people to hatred and hostility."

In the indictment prepared by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a prison sentence of 1 year and 6 months to 3 years was requested for Mahruki. Since the post was made via social media, it was also requested that the sentence be increased in accordance with Article 218 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK). In this context, it was stated that the requested sentence could reach up to 4 years and 6 months.