The Turkish judiciary has sentenced the well-known Turkish actor Khaled Arjanch, famous for his role as Sultan Suleiman in the historical series "Hareem Al Sultan," to 1 year, 10 months, and 15 days in prison for giving false testimony in a case related to the Gezi Park protests of 2013.
Case Details and Involvement of the Agent
The case stems from investigations by the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office into the business agent Aisha Bayram, who was arrested on charges related to attempting to destabilize Turkey’s political situation, as well as directly supporting the Gezi Park protests, which sparked widespread demonstrations in 2013. During these investigations, several public and artistic figures, including Khaled Arjanch and his colleague Reda Kojaoglu, were summoned on suspicion of providing false testimony.Legal Response and Court Ruling
During the trial sessions, Arjanch and Kojaoglu denied the accusations and pleaded not guilty, asserting their innocence. Nevertheless, the court handed down a prison sentence to Arjanch, while Kojaoglu received a suspended sentence, which could be enforced if he commits any future legal violations.
Implications of the Verdict Amid Widespread Controversy
These rulings come amid ongoing legal actions against public figures accused of supporting or being involved in the Gezi protests—one of the most significant political and social events in modern Turkish history. The court’s decision has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters calling for strict enforcement of the law, while opponents argue that these measures reflect a tightening crackdown on artists and public figures due to political backgrounds.
This verdict highlights the lasting impact of the Gezi Park events on the Turkish scene and shows how the judicial system continues to address their repercussions by prosecuting those involved, raising broad discussions about freedom of expression and the balance between security and politics in the country.