# Pinar Selek legal proceedings in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pinar-selek-legal-proceedings-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-10-02T16:18:54.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The trial of sociologist Pinar Selek in the Istanbul Assize Court has been postponed for the ninth time, with the next hearing scheduled for February 5, 2027. Defense lawyers have highlighted that the proceedings have been marked by frequent changes in judges at nearly every hearing.

Selek was originally arrested and tortured in 1998 related to her research on the Kurdish community. The case has attracted significant international attention, including participation from the Istanbul Bar Association and various international observers. French deputy Arnaud Saint-Martin described the proceedings as a “political trial that has lasted too long,” while observers have called for the respect of academic freedom.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Kilis court orders continued detention in Gina Mercimek retrial

A Turkish court has ordered the continued detention of two suspects in the retrial of the 2023 murder and sexual abuse of 9-year-old Gina Mercimek. The hearing is adjourned until October 14.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kilis-court-orders-continued-detention-in-gina-mercimek-retrial

### 2026-09-20: Pinar Selek trial postponed for ninth time by Istanbul court

The Istanbul Assize Court has postponed Pinar Selek's trial until February 2027, marking the ninth delay since 2023 in the high-profile case involving the sociologist's academic research.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pinar-selek-trial-postponed-for-ninth-time-by-istanbul-court

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Cite as: Pinar Selek legal proceedings in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pinar-selek-legal-proceedings-in-turkey