**Turkey's High-Profile Protest Trial Begins with Nearly 200 Defendants**

**The trial of nearly 200 individuals entangled in protests against the Turkish government commenced in Istanbul, sparking debates on political dissent and civil liberties.**

A significant legal proceeding kicked off in Istanbul concerning nearly 200 participants arrested during nationwide protests against the Turkish government. These demonstrations were sparked on March 19, after Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul and a prominent opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, faced arrest over corruption allegations, which he has vehemently denied.

The trial, which began on Friday at the Caglayan courthouse, saw 189 defendants, predominantly students, alongside eight journalists, face serious charges. They are accused of engaging in illegal protests amid a police crackdown on public gatherings and failing to disperse when ordered. This trial is particularly notable as it marks the first wave of legal proceedings against those arrested during the protests; authorities have indicated that a total of 819 individuals could be charged across 20 separate investigations. According to Human Rights Watch, the potential penalties for these offenses could range from six months to five years in prison.

One student, who participated in protests in the Saraçhane area and was imprisoned for 20 days, expressed hope for a just outcome, stating, "I hope they will turn back from this shame as soon as possible and decide today to acquit everyone." Another student from Mimar Sinan University echoed sentiments of resilience, asserting, "We have no fear; we are not the ones who should be afraid."

The Parents Solidarity Network (PSN), formed by families of the detained students, reported that while many arrested individuals were recently granted release, around 50 students remain behind bars. Avni Gündoğan, a PSN member, emphasized, "Our children were involved in a democratic, peaceful and legitimate action; they fought for this country to be a free and democratic country." The families of the accused continue to rally for their children's rights and fair judicial processes.

Furthermore, the trial of incarcerated journalists, including Yasin Akgül from AFP, highlights the escalating tensions between media freedom and government authority. In the face of charges for participating in unlawful assemblies, their attorney argued for their acquittal, asserting their role as reporters rather than participants in the protests. This request was denied by the presiding judge, although the Turkish Journalists Union (TGS) noted that the cases against the journalists would be treated separately from those of the student defendants.

Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was purported to be a candidate for Turkey's presidency in the forthcoming 2028 elections, has amassed considerable support from his constituents, who perceive his arrest as part of a politically motivated campaign led by Erdoğan. Despite authorities declaring a ban on protests throughout Istanbul, resistance has surged with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets since March 19, with police detaining close to 2,000 individuals, a majority of whom are university students.