Judge Seen Unneutral, Mavi Marmara Trial Went Chaotic

Supporters of Mavi Marmara held protest in front of the courtroom during their prohibition to attend the latest trial on December 9, 2016. Photo: MINA

Istanbul, 9 Rabiul Awwal 1438/9 December 2016 (MINA) – The continued trial of Mavi Marmara case which was scheduled to begin at 2 PM Istanbul time was delayed for more than an hour, following the prohibiton of people into the court room, in which they began protesting.

“Supporters of the trial were not allowed into the court room, they only allowed the names who were on the list, even that only happened after presenting their IDs and passports,” said a Mavi Marmara activist who refused to be named to Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA).

The cause of today’s chaos was also due to the fact that the majority of the case made complaints to the judge for not being neutral in performing his duty, hence they wanted to vote on no confidence.

“The lawyers, the activists also questioned the translators in translating statements made by non-Turk witnesses, because during the trials, the activists/witnesses often corrected the translations made by the translators,” the activist added that the activists demanded minutes as well as other evidences in the court to compare the translations that took place during the trials.

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In June, the government of Turkey and Israel stated that both parties would like to reconcile their relationship. This step has been thought to take place given the prospect of the  tantalizng Mediterranian gas deal.

Because of this, Turkey can no longer prosecute Israel for the death of Mavi Marmara activists during their humanitarian mission to the Gaza strip in 2010. In the incident, the IDF was proven to attack unarmed activists in the international waters.

In today’s hearing foreign activists expressed that if Turkish could not sue Israel due to normalisation, then those who are not Turkish could sue Israel in other ways. At least 37 countries have joined the Freedom Flotilla humanitarian mission.

“But the judge did not give the opportunity, and when the judge were going to give the verdict, all the lawyers and those who attended the court walked out.”

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Outside the courtroom, the police were placed in almost every corner of the court, including the riot police to counter the protest of Mavi Marmara supporters. (L/R04/NMT)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

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