Story perspectives

Talent Manager Sentenced for Role in Gezi Park Protests

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ayse Barim, a talent manager, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison for aiding an attempt to overthrow the Turkish government during the 2013 Gezi Park protests.
Barim denies taking a political stance.
She spent 248 days in custody and remains under judicial control, with travel abroad barred.

History

Historical Context

The Gezi Park protests in Turkey began on May 28, 2013, as environmentalists opposed the park's redevelopment. Sparked by police violence, the protests escalated into widespread demonstrations against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's authoritarianism, involving over 2.5 million participants nationwide. The ongoing repression of dissent, exemplified by Ayse Barim's recent sentencing, highlights Turkey's enduring struggle for civil liberties and political expression.

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Story summary

Ayse Barim, a talent manager, was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison for aiding an attempt to overthrow the Turkish government during the 2013 Gezi Park protests.
Barim denies taking a political stance.
She spent 248 days in custody and remains under judicial control, with travel abroad barred.

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