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POLITIKOFF

The two well-known Turkish actors, Halit Ergenç and Riza Kocaoglu, are sentenced to prison

Politiko 2025-05-31 19:35:13

The two well-known Turkish actors, Halit Ergenç and Riza Kocaoglu, are

Two of the most well-known actors of Turkish cinematography, Halit Ergenç and Riza Kocaoglu, have been sentenced to probation by an Istanbul court, in connection with the popular Gezi Park protests of 2013.

According to Turkish media, both actors were found guilty of giving false testimony and obstructing state functions, in a process related to the famous talent agent Ayşe Barım, who has been in custody since January on charges of attempting to overthrow the government.

Suspended sentences for actors
Halit Ergenç, internationally known for his roles in the series "Suleiman the Magnificent" and "One Thousand and One Nights", was sentenced to 1 year, 10 months and 15 days in prison. Riza Kocaoglu, another big name on the Turkish screen, was sentenced to 1 year and 8 months. However, the court postponed the announcement of the execution verdict, meaning that the sentences will not be carried out unless they commit any other criminal offence in the future.

During the trial, Ergenç and Kocaoglu denied any direct involvement in the Gez protests and any connection to the organisers, including Barım. But the prosecution presented evidence and recordings showing their contacts and participation in the protests of the time.

Who is Ayşe Barım and why were the actors involved?
Ayşe Barım, one of the most influential agents in the Turkish art and television industry, is accused of using her position to mobilize public figures in support of the Gezi Park protests, in order to increase public influence and create pressure on the government.

Ergenc and Kocaoglu were called as witnesses in her defence, but the prosecution accused them of perjury, claiming that they had concealed links to the organisers and their role in the protest.

International
reactions The decision has sparked strong international criticism, with human rights organizations such as Amnesty International describing the judicial process as political and calling for the immediate dropping of charges against all those involved in the Gezi protests.

What were the Gezi protests?
The 2013 protests began as a civic reaction to the plan to demolish Gezi Park in Istanbul's Taksim Square, but soon turned into a widespread wave of nationwide protests against authoritarianism and curtailment of democratic freedoms. The protests faced police violence, mass arrests and severe consequences for activists and participants.

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