Activists Hivda Selen, Sinem Çelebi and Doğan Nur were arrested during the Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride march on June 29. The next day, they were sent to pre-trial detention on baseless charges under the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations.
Doğan Nur was freed on July 30 after his lawyer appealed. On August 8, Sinem Çelebi and Hivda Selen were also released at their first court hearing, along with others facing trial. The court ruled they could remain free while their prosecution continues.
Detained after Pride march
On June 29, over 100 people were arrested during the Istanbul LGBTI+ Pride march. Most were released with judicial control measures. But Hivda Selen, Sinem Çelebi and Doğan Nur were kept in pre-trial detention.
This was the first time since the Pride ban in 2015 that people jailed for taking part, or being accused of taking part, in Pride were held in prison before trial. It marked a serious escalation in the crackdown on peaceful assembly and LGBTI+ activism.
Release after appeals
Doğan Nur was released on July 30 after an appeal. On August 8, Sinem Çelebi and Hivda Selen were freed at their first hearing, which involved 53 people in total. The court ruled they could be released while the trial continues.
Thanks to all who appealed to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor for their release and for the charges to be dropped. The prosecution will continue, with the next hearing scheduled for December 24. But their release from pre-trial detention is a very welcome step. Doğan Nur shared this message with Amnesty supporters:
“The ever-expanding patterns of repression and intimidation, coupled with detentions, have become a form of punishment in Türkiye. In such a climate, it is more vital than ever that we build social solidarity and speak out against the increasing unlawfulness. With the urgent action that Amnesty International launched on behalf of us, many people have heard about it and joined the quest for justice to ensure this unlawful detention ends. I would like to thank Amnesty International and its supporters for their contribution to this process. Solidarity keeps us going!”.
No further action is requested. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.
