Famous Turkish actor Halit Ergenc has been given a suspended prison sentence for giving false testimony in connection with the 2013 Gezi Park protests.
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According to Turkish media, an Istanbul court sentenced Ergenc to prison for “attempting to overthrow the Turkish government” and “obstructing its functions.”
The case was opened after prosecutors summoned Ergenc and actor Riza Kocaoglu to another legal proceeding involving famous talent agent Ayse Barım, who has been in custody since January on charges of attempting to overthrow the Turkish government.
Barım allegedly instructed the actors she represented to publicly support the Gezi Park protests.
During the trial, Ergenc claimed that he had no contact with the accused protest organizers, including Memet Alabora and Ayşe Barım. However, investigators found evidence that indicated his connection to them. In addition, there are recordings showing his presence at the protests.
Ergenc was sentenced to one year, ten months and 15 days in prison, and Kocaoglu to one year and eight months. However, the court postponed the announcement of the verdict, meaning that the sentences will not be carried out unless the actors commit a new offense. Both actors denied the charges and requested an acquittal during the hearing.
The verdict has sparked international condemnation, with organizations such as Amnesty International calling for the charges to be dropped and all prisoners linked to the Gezi protests to be released.
Halit Ergenc is a respected actor in Turkey, and gained international popularity thanks to his roles in the series “One Thousand and One Nights” and “Suleiman the Magnificent.”, Klix.ba writes.
