Turkish Court tries 5 politicians... charged with Kurdish songs

The HDP organized the "Great Freedom March" in the city of Dersim, northern Kurdistan, on February 8, 2024. A lawsuit has been filed against five participants in the march.

A hearing was held in the case, and the trial of the former co-chairs of the city, Esma Atas and Özcan Gürtaş, and the co-mayor of Dersim, Birsin Orhan, who was replaced by a deputy, Nazıl Özçelik and Özer Laşın, was held at the Dersim 2nd High Criminal Court. At the hearing, the Public Prosecution reiterated its statement dated March 25, claiming that "the songs that disturb social peace and public order were sung with feelings of hatred and hostility." The Public Prosecution demanded that the defendants be sentenced on charges of "propaganda for the organization."

The lawyers also asserted that the activities of the political party were considered a crime and demanded their clients' acquittal. The lawyers argued that the police directorate had mistranslated the lyrics of the songs heard at the march on Google Translate.

The lawyers added that these songs are popular songs and are sung at many celebrations and occasions.

The court sentenced each of them to 10 months in prison, suspended.

T/S

ANHA