Close protection for Judge Sidar Demiroğlu, known for access ban rulings, has been revoked

The close protection status of Judge Sidar Demiroğlu, who has sparked public debate with his past access ban rulings, has been revoked by the Istanbul Governor's Office. Demiroğlu stated that the decision was implemented without any justification provided or formal notification, and issued a call to the Ministry of Interior and the Istanbul Governor's Office.

In the document shared by Demiroğlu, signed by Deputy Governor of Istanbul Nail Anlar, it was stated that his protection status was evaluated by the Provincial Protection Commission, which met on July 10, 2025, within the scope of the Protection Services Regulation. The document stated that a decision was made for the "Revocation of a Personnel and Close Protection Order" and that the decision went into effect with the approval of the Governor's Office.

Reacting to the decision, Demiroğlu argued that he was being targeted due to the rulings he made in his capacity as a judge. In a social media post, Demiroğlu used the following expressions:

Cevheri Güven, Muhammed Yakut, Erk Acarer, and various FETÖ-affiliated accounts did not threaten me because my name is Sidar and my surname is Demiroğlu. I became a target because, as a judge authorized to make decisions on behalf of the Turkish Nation, I shut down the YouTube accounts of these individuals.

Stating that he has taken his own precautions following the revocation of the protection order, Demiroğlu said, "Undoubtedly, I am taking my own precautions and I am not afraid of anyone. However, I am reminding you here of your legal responsibility should anything happen to me or my children. The discretion is yours."

HE HAD COME TO THE FORE WITH CONTROVERSIAL ACCESS BAN RULINGS

Sidar Demiroğlu's name had previously come to the fore during the process regarding allegations of bribery and irregularities at the Istanbul Anatolian Courthouse. The Council of Judges and Prosecutors (HSK) suspended Demiroğlu in 2023. Demiroğlu had claimed that the then-Deputy Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek was behind his removal from office.

During his tenure, Demiroğlu was also known for access ban rulings that were issued quickly and sparked public debate. Among these controversies was the same-day approval of an access ban request for 1,073 tweets and 67 news reports featuring photos of TV100 owner Necat Gülseven, board member Veysi Nazlıcan, and Alaattin Çakıcı dining together.

News Source: 12punto