Istanbul court accepts ‘coup attempt’ indictment against football fans

ISTANBUL

Supporters from çArşı were among the first groups to brave violent police crackdowns and continued to demonstrate during the first days of the Gezi protests, which led to many supporters being detained. Hürriyet Photo

An Istanbul court has accepted on Sept. 11 the indictment charging members of the çArşı supporters’ group of a “coup attempt” against the government, following its involvement in last year’s Gezi protests.

The first hearing of the trial in which suspects will face life imprisonment is set to be held on Dec. 16.

The accusation against Beşiktaş’s iconic left-leaning supporters group has been strongly criticized both domestically and internationally.

According to the indictment, çArşı members are accused of attempting to capture the Prime Ministry’s offices in Ankara and Istanbul with the aim of creating “Arab Spring-like upheaval” and attempting to overthrow the government.

Supporters from çArşı were among the first groups to brave violent police crackdowns and continued to demonstrate during the first days of the Gezi protests, which led to many supporters being detained.

Another trial is ongoing against members of the Taksim Solidarity Platform, a local association that initiated the protest by calling for action against the cutting down of trees at Gezi Park.