Turkey: Mass trial begins August 1 in Ankara amid protests

Event

Demonstrations are likely in Ankara in the coming days as a mass trial of nearly 500 people accused of involvement in the failed July 2016 coup began on Tuesday, August 1. Protesters, largely comprised of the families and friends of those killed or injured in the failed coup, attempted to assemble outside the courthouse (built specifically for the purpose on the outskirts of Ankara) during the opening day of the trial, shouting at the defendants as they filed into court. Some demonstrators threw stones or nooses at the defendants, while several shouted “murderers” and demanded the reinstatement of the death penalty. Additional protests should be expected in the coming days, as the trial is expected to last at least a month. Anticipate increased security measures around the courthouse.

Context

The failed coup attempt in July 2016 resulted in the deaths of at least 249 people, while nearly 2200 more were injured as soldiers, tanks, and aircraft mobilized in several major cities in a bid to topple Erdogan. Tensions have been simmering throughout Turkey since the implementation of a state of emergency on July 15, 2016, in response to the coup attempt. Under this state of emergency, Erdogan’s government has arrested more than 50,000 people and ousted thousands of military officials, pilots, civil servants, police officers, and academics from their jobs for their alleged ties to the Hizmet (Gulenist) movement – the alleged organizers of the coup attempt who have been at odds with Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP). 

At the center of the coup attempt trial is Fethullah Gulen, a Turkish political dissident and cleric in exile in the United States, who is accused by Erdogan’s government of being the event’s mastermind and is being tried in abstentia.  Gulen denies any role in the coup plot. Critics of the Erdogan administration have accused the president of using the failed coup and ongoing state of emergency as an excuse to eliminate his political opposition and consolidate power.

Advice

Individuals in Turkey, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul, are advised to exercise caution and avoid public demonstrations and gatherings in urban areas due to the risk of violence.

Due to the prevailing threat of terrorism, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and maintain a high degree of vigilance, especially when visiting sites deemed particularly vulnerable to an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, festivals, etc.). Some Western governments advise against travel to areas along the Syrian and Iraqi borders.