Hundreds Gather at Courthouse in Support of CHP İstanbul Chair Kaftancıoğlu

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The second hearing of the lawsuit began today (July 18) at the İstanbul Courthouse. Before the hearing, hundreds gathered in front of the courthouse, including politicians, MPs and representatives from civil society organizations and unions.

Muharrem Erkek, a CHP MP and Vice-Chair Responsible of Law Policies, said that Kaftancıoğlu is under a "political trial": "In this case, thoughts are being tried, criticism is being tried. This case is against the İstanbul alliance."

Canan Kaftancıoğlu

Charged with "insulting the President", "publicly insulting the state of the Republic of Turkey", "provoking the people into enmity and hatred", "insulting a public official because of his/her duty" and "propagandizing for a terrorist organization," Kaftancıoğlu is facing 17 years in prison.

A declaration of support for Kaftancıoğlu, undersigned by 134 artists and intellectuals, also said that she is being tried for the opposition's success in the March 31 local elections and the June 23 revote.

"Those who lost İstanbul attempt to make us pay a price through Kaftancıoğlu," the declaration said. Announcing support from Kaftancıoğlu, the declaration said, "You will never walk alone." (EKN/VK)