A court in Istanbul has arrested a talent manager, Ayse Barim, for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government in connection with the 2013 Gezi protests, according to reports by state news agency Anadolu. The arrest, which took place on Friday, has raised concerns about the continuing crackdown on dissent in Turkey.
Barim, who represents a number of prominent actors and actresses, is accused of motivating the artists she works with to participate in the anti-government demonstrations that took place in Gezi Park in central Istanbul. The protests began as a response to plans to build a shopping mall in the park but quickly turned into a nationwide movement calling for broader political reforms and greater freedoms.
While Barim denied the accusations, claiming she only attended the protests once or twice and did not encourage others to join, her arrest underscores the ongoing tension between the Turkish government and those critical of its policies. Local media reports quoted Barim as telling the prosecutor that she never incited anyone to participate in the protests.
The Gezi protests, which began in the summer of 2013, were largely peaceful. However, the government’s response was severe, with police using force to disperse demonstrators. The protests eventually escalated, with citizens across Turkey joining in, leading the government to label the protests as an attempted coup. This harsh crackdown has led to the prosecution of several individuals, including prominent activists and philanthropists.
Barim is also accused of maintaining close ties with individuals involved in the Gezi trial, including philanthropist Osman Kavala. Kavala, who has been in prison since 2017, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his alleged role in the 2013 protests. The European Court of Human Rights has ordered his release, but Turkey has refused to comply with the ruling.
The Gezi trial has attracted significant international criticism, with human rights organizations accusing the Turkish government of using the case to politically manipulate and silence dissent. Critics argue that the trial, along with Barim’s arrest, is part of a broader pattern of political repression aimed at quelling opposition to the government.
Barim’s detention and the ongoing prosecution of individuals associated with the Gezi protests highlight the challenges faced by those who challenge the status quo in Turkey. With growing concerns about the erosion of freedoms and democratic institutions, Turkey continues to face scrutiny from the international community over its handling of political dissent and human rights.