Top court overturns the fine over banner requesting workers' release

* Photo: Mezopotamya Agency (MA)

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Turkey's Constitutional Court has overturned the fine imposed on the Construction Workers' Union Chair, who hung a banner about the workers killed in occupational homicides in the new İstanbul Airport and the workers arrested during the protests at the construction site.

When the İstanbul Airport was still under construction, Construction Workers' Union Chair Mehmet Avcı had a banner hung for the workers who lost their lives in occupational homicides and the workers and union executives who were arrested during the ensuing protests

The banner read, "Release the Resisting Workers and Union Executives Arrested at the 3rd Airport." On the grounds of this banner, Avcı was fined "because he violated the Law on Misdemeanor".

Having exhausted other remedies, the fine was finally taken to the Constitutional Court, the top court. The Court has concluded that the banner did not disturb the surroundings. It has further indicated that "the related comment of the public authorities was a far-fetched and unforeseeable comment that went beyond the purpose of the related judgment".

The Constitutional Court has ruled that a retrial shall be held and a new ruling shall be handed down in line with the principles indicated in the ruling of rights violation. The Court has also ruled that the application expenses of 4,864 lira shall be paid back to Avcı. (EMK/SD)