Harsh indictment from the prosecutor's office regarding IMM protests! Up to 3 years in prison for 139 people

An indictment has been prepared against 139 people, 104 of whom are currently in custody, for participating in demonstrations held in Saraçhane following investigations into the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. In the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a prison sentence of up to 3 years is requested for the suspects for the crime of "violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations."

The indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office states that the crowd gathered on March 23 did not disperse despite being informed by law enforcement that gatherings, marches, and protests had been banned by the Istanbul Governor's Office between March 19 and 23.

'THEY DID NOT DISPERSE DESPITE WARNINGS'

The indictment notes that proportional intervention was used against the group, which did not disperse despite warnings from law enforcement. It was recorded that the crowd shone lasers at law enforcement officers and their cameras to obstruct their view and continued to wait in the area. It was further noted that in the following hours, the crowd responded to law enforcement officers attempting to stop them with stones, sticks, bottles, flammable and incendiary materials, and hard objects.

'THEY STATED THEY DID NOT GATHER AT ANYONE'S ENCOURAGEMENT'

The indictment states that in their testimonies to the police and the judge, the suspects denied the charges, asserting that they did not gather under the pressure or encouragement of anyone. The indictment, which evaluates that the suspects acted in unity of intent and action, requests that the suspects be sentenced to between 6 months and 3 years in prison for the crime of "violating the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations." It was also stated that investigations are being conducted against the suspects for the crimes of "resisting to prevent the performance of duty" and "insulting the President."

The indictment has been accepted by the Istanbul 49th Criminal Court of First Instance.