A Turkish court has jailed nine protesters pending trial for disrupting a speech by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Protesters complained that Erdogan's government continued to do so despite campaigning for a freeze on oil exports to Israel. British news agency Reuters reported this news.
The incident took place at a televised forum on Friday in Istanbul. Demonstrators there questioned the pro-Palestinian stance of the Turkish government, chanting slogans such as stop the ships sending bombs to Gaza and fuel for genocide.
Erdoğan responded harshly saying, “Son, don't come here to be the mouthpiece of the Zionists.” No matter how much you try to provoke them by being their voice, it will not succeed.
He also said that the Zionists of the world know very well where Erdoğan is. But it seems you still don't understand.
Police removed the protesters from the scene. They were charged with insulting the president and participating in illegal demonstrations.
Istanbul's chief public prosecutor's office said the group staged coordinated protests inside and outside the venue. Therefore, they were requested to be detained pending trial.
Opposition politicians and human rights activists criticized the arrest. The leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), Özgür Ozel, said that Turkey's democracy is in a deep crisis today, as evidenced by the arrest of 9 young people.
He further said that these youths were exercising their right to express their opinions. They should be released immediately.
