Istanbul Bar Association condemns seizures, arrests targeting Imamoğlu book and artists
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The Istanbul Bar Association issued a statement condemning the seizure of Ekrem İmamoğlu's book 'Millet Şahidimdir' and the arrests of comedian Deniz Göktaş and artist manager Tolga Akış. The bar argued these actions are not independent judicial processes but systematic interference in expression, art, politics, and criticism. It warned that such practices erode the rule of law and deepen social division.
Key Facts
- The Istanbul Bar Association published a statement titled 'Dignity cannot be destroyed by judicial pressure' on recent operations.
- Copies of Ekrem İmamoğlu's book 'Millet Şahidimdir' were seized and its distribution and sale banned.
- Comedian Deniz Göktaş was re-arrested immediately after a release order, based on other remarks from the same stand-up show.
- Tolga Akış, founder and manager of the all-female artist group Manifest, was arrested.
- The bar stated that these actions reflect a judicial practice that systematically intervenes in expression, art, politics, and criticism.
The Bar's Statement
The Istanbul Bar Association released a statement titled 'Dignity cannot be destroyed by judicial pressure' in response to recent operations. The bar jointly assessed the seizure of Ekrem İmamoğlu's book 'Millet Şahidimdir', the re-arrest of comedian Deniz Göktaş, and the arrest of Tolga Akış. It argued that these actions are not independent judicial processes. The statement declared: 'We are facing a judicial practice in which criminal law and criminal procedure measures systematically intervene in the fields of expression, art, politics, and criticism.'
Targeted Actions
Printed and in-print copies of Ekrem İmamoğlu's book 'Millet Şahidimdir' were seized and its distribution and sale were banned. Comedian Deniz Göktaş was re-arrested before leaving prison after a release order, based on other remarks from the same stand-up show. Tolga Akış, founder and manager of the all-female artist group Manifest, was arrested. The bar stated that these are not independent judicial actions.
Rule of Law Concerns
The bar argued that legal rules, values, and principles built over centuries are being dismantled under a 'pseudo-legal' guise driven by political motives. It warned that the path and method deepen societal division based on hatred and enmity, making social peace irreparably difficult. The statement said that when a comedian must think about which words will be investigated before going on stage, or a publisher must consider whether copies will be confiscated before printing a book, the intervention no longer targets only the individual. It added that the deterrent effect is now felt throughout society and the sense of helplessness deepens. The bar noted that re-arresting a person immediately after a release order, without allowing them to leave prison, reduces the right to liberty and security to a mere formality on paper.
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Istanbul Bar Association condemns seizures, arrests targeting Imamoğlu book and artists
