A historic trial directly targeting the political and democratic struggle of the Kurdish people in the UK began on Monday. The trial of six Kurdish activists accused of “being members of the PKK and carrying out activities on behalf of the PKK” was heard at the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, in the capital London.
Kurdish activists detained during large-scale police raids on Kurdish institutions and the homes of Kurdish activists on November 27 last year were held for months under strict bail conditions. During today’s hearing, Ali Poyraz, Ercan Akbal, Türkan Özcan, Agit Karataş, Berfin Kurban, and Mazlum Sayak, along with their lawyers, were present in the courtroom.
The trial, which will begin with the selection of the 12-member jury, is expected to last nearly three months.
The prosecutor’s office charged Kurdish activists with “membership in an illegal organization” based on a file consisting of thousands of pages. The trial is considered another link in the chain of criminalization policies targeting the Kurdish community.
The court adjourned the hearing until tomorrow morning.
Background
On the morning of November 27, 2024, simultaneous operations were carried out across the UK with the participation of 700 police officers. The Kurdish Community Center and the apartments of six Kurdish activists were raided. During the operations, the Kurdish Community Center was kept under police siege for days, causing widespread reaction and concern within the community.
After two weeks in custody, the detained Kurdish activists were released on conditional bail, but were subjected to severe restrictions such as a daily reporting requirement, ankle monitor, and house arrest covering evening hours.
This case, which targets the Kurdish people’s right to democratic organization and political activities, is being closely followed by the Kurdish community living in the UK, with emphasis on the fact that the trial process could have serious consequences in terms of freedom of expression and political activities. Kurdish institutions and people’s assemblies continue to call for solidarity and democratic public opinion against the trial.