PEN Norway’s hearing report in the case of Pınar Selek

The sixth trial of the case known as “the Spice Bazaar explosion” against Pınar Selek, a feminist, anti-militarist, peace activist, sociologist, researcher and a writer, has begun in İstanbul, Turkey.

A number of observers, politicians, journalists and lawyers attended the hearing held today at the 15th High Criminal Court of İstanbul. Lawyers from the Bar Associations of Paris and Marseille were present together with over 40 lawyers who were in the courtroom to defend Selek.

Also present at the courthouse were nearly 80 observers representing various municipalities, bar associations, social sciences and research centres, human rights organisations, women’s organisations, the French Communist Party and various solidarity committees from France, where Selek has been conducting her research.

Upholding that Selek should be extradited to Turkey for her testimony, the Court adjourned the next hearing to 29 September.

After 25 years of various trials and four acquittals, Selek is now charged with “attempting to separate a part of the territory under the sovereignty of the state from the state administration”, “unauthorised possession or transfer of dangerous substances”, and “membership of an illegal armed organisation”.

Read the full report here in English and Turkish: