Ankara prosecutors file charges against HKP members over NATO protest

The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has prepared an indictment against members of the People's Liberation Party (HKP) following an anti-NATO protest held on July 5 in front of the First Parliament in Ankara.

According to the indictment, 19 party members are charged with “participating in unlawful meetings and marches without weapons and failing to disperse despite warnings.” Additionally, four members face charges of “resisting to prevent the performance of duty” for allegedly attempting to force through police barricades.

The legal action follows a protest organized ahead of the 36th NATO Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Ankara on July 7-8, 2026. Prosecutors claim the HKP issued an unauthorized call for assembly via social media, violating a ban on public demonstrations issued by the Ankara Governor's Office. While the suspects argued they were exercising their democratic rights, the indictment states that video footage and police reports support the charges. If the indictment is accepted, the members will appear before a judge.