The activists interrupted Erdoğan’s speech on November 29, chanting slogans such as “Ships are carrying bombs to Gaza” and demanding an end to Türkiye’s trade with Israel. Their demonstration highlighted ongoing allegations of complicity in Israel’s actions against Gaza. The protest coincided with the forum’s invitation to the CEO of SOCAR, an Azerbaijani energy company accused of supplying fuel to Israel.

On December 2, the protesters were arrested and charged with “insulting the President.”

Lawyers for the activists argued in Istanbul’s 10th Criminal Court of Peace that the arrest and judicial control decisions were “unlawful” and “arbitrary,” reflecting “panic-driven misuse of authority.”

After reviewing the case, a higher court overturned the decision, leading to the release of all nine activists from Marmara High-Security Closed Prison.

Lawyer Adem Bingöl confirmed the news, stating: “The court has ruled for the release of all nine activists.”

This case has drawn attention to Türkiye’s policies regarding Israel and its response to dissent against such policies. (ILKHA)