Halit Ergenç and Rıza Kocaoğlu sentenced to prison

In a case related to the Gezi Park investigation, well-known Turkish actors Halit Ergenç and Rıza Kocaoğlu were tried on charges of perjury and each was sentenced to several months in prison. The court sentenced Ergenç to one year, 10 months, and 15 days, and Kocaoğlu to one year and 8 months in prison.

The charge relates to allegations of providing false testimony in a case brought against Ayşe Barım, a talent manager. It is claimed that she encouraged the artists under her management to participate in protests during the Gezi Park events.

The court session was held at the 24th Criminal Court of Istanbul. In this session, Halit Ergenç appeared without being detained and accompanied by his lawyer, and in his defense, he stated:

I only answered the questions that were asked of me. I did not hide anything, and if I had been asked about any meeting or contact, I would have answered honestly and with a clear conscience. Sincerity is a relative concept—in our industry, we may appear in friendly photos with many people, but that doesn't necessarily mean we have close relationships. One of my regrets is not filing a lawsuit at the time over the publication of photos on social media, because the accusations were outrageous. There was a human flood there, but it seemed like we were at the forefront. I only answered what I was asked, and when I was asked about Ayşe Barım, I said I didn’t know her well enough to know what she talked about with them. Since I had no intention and the legal elements of the crime were not fulfilled, I request acquittal.

He also added that if he had the opportunity back then, he would have filed a lawsuit against the publication of some of his photos on social media. Ergenç ended his defense by requesting acquittal.

Court ruling and reactions

The judge, considering the respectful behavior of the defendants during the hearings, found them guilty of "perjury" but suspended the execution of the sentence. Accordingly, both individuals can benefit from a "suspension of sentence."

After the verdict was announced, Halit Ergenç said to the judge in a surprised tone:

So, I lied?

He appeared visibly upset and, in response to the judge’s suggestion to appeal the verdict, said: “We will appeal,” and left the courthouse without answering questions from the reporters.