Ankara prosecutors seek prison for anti-NATO protesters

An indictment has been prepared against dozens of individuals following anti-NATO protests held in Ankara during the 36th NATO Summit in July 2026. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is seeking prison sentences for approximately 37 to 45 people, including members and leaders of political groups such as the Devrim Party, Halkevleri, the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP), the Labor Party (EMEP), and the Emekçi Movement Party (EHP).

The charges involve participating in illegal meetings and marches and failing to disperse despite warnings. According to the indictment, the Ankara Governorate had banned all public protests and demonstrations between June 28 and July 10, 2026, to coincide with the summit. Prosecutors allege that protesters ignored police warnings and engaged in physical resistance while marching through the Dikmen and Kızılay districts.

In a related development, legal representatives have raised concerns for Ömer Aksu, a 16-year-old detained during the protests. A petition submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Human Rights Investigation Commission alleges that Aksu is facing severe health issues, including high blood pressure, and is being held in substandard conditions at the Bünyan Children and Youth Detention Center.