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Mass Trial Begins for Students and Journalists Following Protests Over Istanbul Mayor's Arrest

189 defendants, including eight journalists, face charges after demonstrations against the jailing of opposition leader Ekrem Imamoglu, with journalists' cases separated from the main trial.

Turkish protesters hold signs reading, "The moms are here standing by their kids," in Istanbul on April 18.
People gather to protest outside Caglayan courthouse, in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, April 18, 2025, during the hearing of dozens of people accused of attending banned demonstrations after the arrest of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
Turkish citizens protest outside the Istanbul court on Friday, holding a sign reading, "We want justice for our children."
People sit next a police security line during a protest outside Caglayan courthouse, in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, April 18, 2025, during the hearing of dozens of people accused of attending banned demonstrations after the arrest of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

Overview

  • The trial of 189 individuals, primarily students, began in Istanbul following protests triggered by the March 19 imprisonment of opposition mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.
  • Eight journalists, including AFP photographer Yasin Akgul, are among the defendants, with their cases separated from the students' trial for independent proceedings.
  • Charges include illegal assembly, incitement, and non-compliance with police orders, with some defendants also accused of carrying weapons or concealing their identity.
  • Supporters, including families and activists, gathered outside the Caglayan courthouse, calling for acquittals and decrying the trials as politically motivated.
  • Prosecutors have announced that over 819 people will face trials across 20 investigations related to the protests, marking Turkey's largest demonstrations in over a decade.