ECtHR Finds Turkey Guilty of Violation of Right to Protest

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The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has concluded the application of Adnan Öğür, who was fined for 25 times for attending the press statements held in front of the courthouse in Adana province.

The ECtHR ruled that Turkey violated right to stage demonstration and to be organized.

“30-meter ban” 

Residing in Adana, Öğrü (63) attended the statements made for the press by unions and NGOs in front of Adana Courthouse on October 13, 2010.

Attempting to intervene in the press statement which Human Rights Association (İHD) Adana Branch Director Öğrü attended, the police justified their intervention through the ban imposed by the Governorship. Adana Governorship had banned all demonstrations and rallies staged 30 meters close to the courthouse.

Öğre was fined 143 TL (35 Euros) over Law of Misdemeanor. His objection to the fine was rejected.

“My right to peaceful protest was violated”

Stating that his right to peaceful protest was violated, Öğrü applied to the ECtHR.

The case concluded on Tuesday (October 17). The ECtHR ruled that Turkey violated right to stage demonstration and to be organized.

Öğrü will be paid court expense of 120 Euros. (AS/TK)