Release decision for Istanbul Bar Association member Epözdemir

The first hearing of the case in which Istanbul Bar Association Board Member Lawyer Fırat Epözdemir has been held in custody since January 25, 2025, was held today at the Istanbul 24th High Criminal Court. The court panel decided to release Epözdemir.

Following the reopening of a case for which a decision of non-prosecution had previously been issued, an indictment was prepared against Lawyer Epözdemir seeking a prison sentence of 8 years and 6 months to 20 years on charges of "membership in an armed terrorist organization" and "making propaganda for a terrorist organization." Lawyer Epözdemir had been detained and arrested on a plane upon his return from abroad.

Hundreds of lawyers, bar association representatives, and non-governmental organizations gathered at the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan from the morning hours, with bar association presidents from many provinces across Turkey, as well as the Union of Turkish Bar Associations, flocking to the courthouse to support Epözdemir.

Not only from Turkey, but international bar association representatives, legal experts, and numerous non-governmental organizations also came to Çağlayan to show solidarity. Lawyers and NGO representatives could not fit into the hearing rooms. Due to the insufficient capacity of the 24th High Criminal Court hearing room, the hearing was also watched via screens set up in the 26th and 35th High Criminal Court rooms.

HE STATED IN HIS DEFENSE THAT THE BAR ASSOCIATION WAS BEING TARGETED

In his defense at the hearing, Lawyer Fırat Epözdemir stated that the indictment prepared against him was a political intervention targeting not only himself but the administration of the Istanbul Bar Association.

Taking the floor at the hearing, Fırat Epözdemir's defense attorney, Pınar Bayram, stated that the legal elements of the "propaganda for an organization" charge attributed to her client had not been met. Bayram emphasized that even if the existence of the alleged act were accepted, the investigation was not conducted within the legal timeframe:

"The elements of the crime of propaganda have not been formed. Furthermore, even if it were assumed that they had been, considering the time that has passed, the statute of limitations has expired. We request the unconditional release of my client."

Following Lawyer Bayram's statements, the prosecutor at the hearing submitted an opinion for the continuation of detention. The court panel took a break before the decision.

After the break, the court panel decided to release Epözdemir.