21^st hearing of trial opened against Ayşe Gökkan, Spokesperson of the Free Women’s Movement (TJA) was held today by the Diyarbakır 9^th High Criminal Court. Ayşe Gökkan has faced up to 35 years prison sentence. Her lawyers demanded their client release but the court ordered Ayşe Gökkan to remain in prison pending the trial.

Amed – The 21^st hearing of the trial opened against Ayşe Gökkan, Spokesperson of the Free Women’s Movement (TJA) on charges of “being a member of a (terrorist) organization” and “being a manager of a (terrorist) organization” was held today by the Diyarbakır 9th High Criminal Court. Ayşe Gökkan couldn’t attend the hearing from prison through the audio-visual information system (SEGBIS) due to a technical problem but her lawyers Berfin Gökkan, Özüm Vurgun and Gözde Engin attended the hearing. Many activists of the TJA, members of the Rosa Women’s Association, and feminists wanted to follow the hearing but they weren't allowed to enter the hearing room. Two members of Ayşe Gökkan’s family were only allowed to follow the hearing.

The prosecutor of the trial announced his opinion as to the accusations. The prosecutor demanded up to 30 years prison sentence against Ayşe Gökkan on charges of “being a member of a (terrorist) organization” and “being a manager of a (terrorist) organization” for carrying out activities for the TJA, being a member of the Rosa Women’s Association, participating in activities and protests and her activities for the Democratic Society Congress (DTK) and demanded Ayşe Gökkan to remain in prison pending the trial. The prosecutor also demanded five years prison sentence against her on charges of “making propaganda of a (terrorist) organization”.

Lawyers objected to the order

Lawyers of Ayşe Gökkan objected to the order of the court and demanded the release of their client. The court rejected the defense’s request and adjourned the hearing again. The next hearing will be held on September 13.