In a landmark ruling that has drawn international condemnation, a Turkish court has sentenced human rights lawyer and politician Can Atalay to an aggravated life imprisonment for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government.
Gezi Park Protests Revisited
The case stems from the massive 2013 Gezi Park protests, which began as environmental demonstrations against urban development plans in Istanbul but evolved into nationwide anti-government unrest. Atalay, who represented defendants during the original trials, now finds himself convicted under the same controversial charges.
Political Fallout Intensifies
The verdict comes amid growing concerns about Turkey's judicial independence and the erosion of democratic norms. Atalay had been elected as a member of parliament for the southern Hatay province in May's general elections while already in pre-trial detention.
"This sentence represents a devastating blow to Turkey's democracy and legal system," said a spokesperson for the opposition Workers' Party of Turkey (TIP), to which Atalay belongs. "We are witnessing the criminalization of legitimate political opposition and legal defense."
International Observers React
Human rights organizations and European monitoring bodies have repeatedly raised alarms about Turkey's use of anti-terrorism legislation to silence government critics. The Gezi Park case has been particularly controversial, with many legal experts questioning the evidence presented against all defendants.
Broader Implications
- Seven other defendants received aggravated life sentences alongside Atalay
- The case is seen as part of wider crackdown on Kurdish political movement
- Turkey's judicial system faces mounting criticism from international partners
- Political tensions expected to escalate ahead of local elections
Legal experts note that Atalay's case is particularly significant given his dual role as both a defense lawyer in the original Gezi trials and now as a convicted participant. The sentence prevents him from taking his parliamentary seat, effectively disenfranchising the voters who elected him.
The verdict is likely to be appealed, but with Turkey's highest courts increasingly aligned with government interests, observers remain pessimistic about the prospects for judicial relief.
