AGIRI – Reacting to recent prison and detention rulings issued in Ağrı, Azad Akbulut, Co-Chair of the Human Rights Association (İHD) Ağrı Branch, stated that “the judiciary must issue decisions that strengthen social peace and fulfill the requirements of a democratic society.”
On October 17, the Ağrı 1st High Criminal Court sentenced several defendants, including Democratic Society Congress (DTK) Co-Chair and DEM Party MP Bedran Öztürk, to prison terms ranging from 6 years and 3 months to 44 years.
Öztürk received 4 years and 6 months for “aiding terror organization” and 1 year and 10 months for “terrorist propaganda.”
In a separate case, Rıdvan Kahraman was sentenced to 24 years and 10 months for “terrorist organization membership” and “simple injury.” Although he will remain free pending appeal, the case has heightened tensions.
Another trial involving 15 people, including a DEM Party municipal council member, resulted in sentences ranging from 7 years to 44 years, with four people taken into custody immediately.
Akbulut noted that the same court handed down three controversial rulings in a single day, undermining the principle of legal certainty. “These convictions cast a shadow over the atmosphere of hope for peace that emerged in Ağrı following Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27 call. The decisions created unease in the public,” he said.
‘PARLIAMENTARY IMMUNITY IGNORED’
Questioning the role of the judiciary, Akbulut said the debate over whether law serves justice or the ruling power continues today. He said: “In regimes where law is instrumentalized by political authority, concepts like ‘terrorist,’ ‘foreigner,’ and ‘abnormal’ are manufactured. These concepts act as silencers for power and justify repression. Freedom of expression and civic space are restricted, leading to severe human rights violations.”
Akbulut stressed that recent rulings in Ağrı evoke memories of the collapse of the 2015 peace process, when early clashes also began in the city. “Despite the current pro-peace climate, the heavy sentences, disregard for parliamentary immunity, and verdicts detached from the actual evidence raise deep concerns,” he said.
‘THE JUDICIARY MUST RESPOND TO SOCIETY’S CALL FOR JUSTICE’
Calling on the judiciary to uphold the principles of social justice, Akbulut concluded: “Article 1 of the Turkish Penal Code clearly states that the law aims not only to prevent crime and ensure public order but also to protect the rule of law and promote social peace. The judiciary must make rulings that strengthen peace, reflect democratic values, and meet society’s expectations for justice.”
MA / Omer Akin