They banned the ecofest, they 'caught' Süheyla!

Photo: Süheyla Doğan, chairperson of the Mount Ida Natural and Cultural Assets Association

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There were reports in the press last week that no permission was given to the Mount Ida Natural and Cultural Assets Association to hold the Mount Ida Ecology Festival, the Ecofest between June 20-25, first by the Edremit Strict Governorship and then the Bayramiç Strict Governorship on the plea of a "fire risk." It was further reported that the Bayramiç Prosecutor's Office started an investigation over the executive committee members of the association due to violation of the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations for the press statement they made in front of the Strict Governorship.  Süheyla Doğan, the chairperson of the association has given her statement at the police station in this scope. 

Many expressed their concern and anger due to the banning of the Ecofest last week, but there was something else that escaped the notice of ecology and human rights activists. As if it is not enough to open an investigation for Süheyla Doğan, a warrant was issued as well in order for her to be "caught." 

Literally, Doğan who went to the police station to give her statement when invited by the Bayramiç police headquarters was arrested at the station. The following is written on the  arrest report dated June 21, 2023: "... was arrested by the police officers the names of whom are written below without using any force after her rights were read out to her when she came to the police station by herself at 16:40 on June 21, 2023, after invited over the phone with the instruction of the Chief Prosecutor."

We cannot see this only as an official formality. 

First of all, an arrest is a measure that deprives the person who is caught of freedom, even if for a specific period of time. Therefore some concrete conditions are necessary for this measure to be implemented; being caught red-handed, the possibility of escaping, the possibility of tampering with evidence, not coming in order to give a statement despite being invited, or resisting the officers. 

However, we understand from the arrest report as well, that Süheyla Doğan was invited by the police officers for alleged violation of the law. Neither the police nor the prosecutors can decide if there is really a violation of the law or a crime. Only the courts are authorized for this. It is therefore that the documents the prosecutors submit to courts are called indictments. Süheyla Doğan went to the police office herself in order to give her statement. She did not escape or resist. The alleged crime involves only a press statement. Already been made, concluded, and shared on social media. Therefore there is nothing to hide or to tamper with. 

Why an arrest?

Why has there been an arrest then? Who is responsible for this decision, the prosecutor or the police? If it is the police, have they informed the prosecutors at once? If yes, what has the prosecutor done, started an investigation into this unlawful arrest? Will there be an investigation on the prosecutor if we apply to the Supreme Council of Prosecutors?

Unfortunately we know the answers to the questions above. But still asking these questions is related with the rule of law, the democracy that we want to live in. Therefore we have to say once again; the reason why an investigation is being started for the festival organizers is the same as the reason why the ecofest was banned. And a warrant is issued for the association chairperson, Süheyla Doğan for the same reason.

What happened to the Ecofest

What happened to the Ecofest is not the first example of the public authority being turned into a tool of oppression and threatening towards the rights defenders and towards the people in this land. 

However if we want it to be the last example, our joint struggle for democracy, for the rule of law adn for human rights, our solidarity and resolution will determine the result. Therefore we want to announce that we will be using our right to individual application to the Constitutional Court against this unlawful arrest warrant which deprived Süheyla Doğan from her freedome even if for a short period of time, and that we will be monitoring the investigation in every respect.  (CA/TY/PE)