Students and journalists stand trial in Turkey over protests sparked by mayor's arrest

ISTANBUL (AP) — Dozens of people including journalists appeared before a court in Istanbul on Friday, accused of attending banned demonstrations and disobeying police orders to disperse during anti-government protests that were triggered by the jailing of the city’s opposition mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu.

Imamoglu, seen as the main challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 22-year rule, was arrested on March 19 and jailed days later on corruption charges.

His imprisonment has been widely viewed as politically motivated and sparked nationwide protests. The government insists Turkey’s judiciary is independent and that the courts operate independently.

A total of 189 defendants, most of them university students, began defending themselves over charges of participating in banned protests and non-compliance with orders to disperse. Some have also been charged with carrying arms.

Four photojournalists and three reporters who were covering the demonstrations were also on trial. The court, however, on Friday decided to separate their case from the main trial.

The defendants are among more than 2,000 people were detained for taking party in the country’s largest mass demonstrations in more than a decade.

During the opening hearing, lawyers demanded acquittal for all 189 defendants.

Among them was Derin Doga Kus, a 23-year-old Istanbul University student, who was detained from her home on March 24 and released from jail last week along with dozens of other students. Their release followed concerted efforts by parents to have their children set free, with many holding daily vigils outside Silivri prison, west of Istanbul.

“I spent 18 days in the Silivri prison and was released a week ago today,” Dogakus said. “We all missed our exams. Some lost their jobs.”

“This is not a legal process. It is a process where the law is trampled on," she said.

Avni Gundogan, the father of another defendant, was among hundreds who gathered outside the courthouse in support of the students.

“They engaged in democratic, peaceful and legitimate activities. They exercised their constitutional rights, and their rights were violated,” Gundogan said. “We demand a verdict of acquittal for our children.”

This story corrects the name of the student.

People sit next a police security line during a protest outside Caglayan courthouse, in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, April 18, 2025, during the hearing of dozens of people accused of attending banned demonstrations after the arrest of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

A woman shouts slogans during a protest outside Caglayan courthouse, in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, April 18, 2025, during the hearing of dozens of people accused of attending banned demonstrations after the arrest of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

People gather to protest outside Caglayan courthouse, in Istanbul, Turkey, Friday, April 18, 2025, during the hearing of dozens of people accused of attending banned demonstrations after the arrest of Istanbul's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

LONDON (AP) — Actor--comedian Russell Brand arrived at a London court on Friday to face charges of rape and sexual assault involving four women.

Brand, 49, was swarmed by photographers as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for his first hearing since being charged last month.

As police tried to control the scrum, a man shouted “No one is above the law, Russell Brand!”

Brand faces one count of rape, one of indecent assault, one of oral rape and two of sexual assault. The alleged offenses took place between 1999 and 2005 — one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in the Westminster area of central London.

In September 2023, British media outlets Channel 4 and the Sunday Times published claims by four women of being sexually assaulted or raped by Brand. The accusers have not been identified.

The comedian, author and “Get Him To The Greek” actor has been interviewed by police about the allegations, which he denies.

Brand has denied engaging in “non-consensual activity.”

Known for his unbridled and risqué standup routines, Brand hosted shows on radio and television and wrote memoirs charting his battles with drugs and alcohol. He has appeared in several Hollywood movies and was briefly married to pop star Katy Perry between 2010 and 2012.

In recent years, Brand has largely disappeared from mainstream media but has built up a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories. He recently said he had moved to the United States.

Actor--comedian Russell Brand arrives at Westminster Magistrates' court in London, Friday, May 2, 2025, to face charges of rape and sexual assault involving four women. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)