Arrest Warrant for Journalist Can Dündar

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An arrest warrant has been issued for journalist Can Dündar as part of the investigation launched into the Gezi Park protests in 2013.

A letter of demand has been submitted to the court on duty by the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office as part of the investigation conducted by its Terror and Organized Crimes Bureau.

In the letter, the following allegations have been made:

* Attempting to provoke and direct people during Gezi Park protests,

* Attempting to increase the resistance of terrorist organization members against the security forces who were there to prevent the protests,

* Fulfilling the duty of and engaging in activities of influence agency, which he was assigned by the organization.

Verdict of the court

Responding to the letter of demand submitted by the Prosecutor's Office, the court on duty stated that Gezi Park protests were staged in a planned and systematic manner under the leadership of Osman Kavala.

In its verdict, the court also claimed that the ultimate aim of the protests was to create chaos and disorder in the country, thereby attempting to render the current government dysfunctional.

The court stated that there is sufficient and concrete evidence confirming that Can Dündar took active part in Gezi Park protests and committed the charged offence. Accordingly, an arrest warrant has been issued for Can Dündar, who has been currently abroad.

Dündar: "We were all in Gezi"

After the issuance of the arrest warrant, Can Dündar tweeted: "#HepimizGezideydik" (We were all in Gezi) We are proud."

Arrest warrant for Memet Ali Alabora

An arrest warrant has also been issued for actor Memet Ali Alabora, who has been currently abroad, in relation with Gezi Park protests in 2013.

In the verdict given by the İstanbul 8th Penal Judgeship of Peace upon the request of the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Alabora has been charged with "attempting to overthrow the government of the Republic of Turkey and to prevent it from performing its duties".

13 people previously detained, 1 person arrested

As part of the investigation that has been launched into Gezi Park protests, an operation was carried out against civil society workers and academics on November 16, 2018. While 12 of the 13 detained people were released afterwards, Yiğit Aksakoğlu, the Turkey representative to the Netherlands-based Bernard van Leer Foundation, was arrested. (EKN/SD)