“Mask trial” Over İskeçe Turkish Union march concludes with full acquittal

The ruling was delivered on Wednesday, February 18, at the Gümülcine Courthouse by the Thrace Court of Appeals.

Background: Protest Following Supreme Court Rejection

The legal proceedings stemmed from a peaceful demonstration held on July 10, 2021, after Greece’s Supreme Court once again rejected an application seeking the restoration of the Union’s legal status and legal personality in line with rulings by the European Court of Human Rights.

Approximately seven months after the protest — which took place outdoors during the summer — authorities launched an investigation on the grounds that participants had allegedly not worn protective masks. Thirteen individuals were subsequently charged.

The judicial process continued for over four years.

Court Proceedings and Verdict

During Wednesday’s hearing at the Gümülcine Courthouse, the defendants and their lawyers presented their arguments. After the prosecutor delivered his recommendation, the presiding judge announced the acquittal of all accused.

Among those who appeared in person were former İTB President Ozan Ahmetoğlu, Önder Meço, Gürhan Ömeroğlu, Nihat Osmanoğlu and Önder Mümin.

Other defendants were represented by lawyers Ahmet Kara, Ercan Ahmet, Yannis Barkas and Konstandina Kardara.

Following the ruling, attorneys Ahmet Kara, Ercan Ahmet and Yannis Barkas described the acquittal as “an expected and correct decision.”

Prominent Figures Among the Defendants

Those tried in the case included:

• Gümülcine Mufti Ibrahim Serif
• Former İTB President Ozan Ahmetoğlu
• Mustafçova Mayor Ahmet Kurt
• Former Kozlukebir Mayor Rıdvan Ahmet
• Former Yassıköy Mayor Önder Mümin
• Frmer Mustafçova Mayor Mustafa Cukal
• Former Mustafçova opposition list leader Önder Meço
• Former Mustafçova Municipal Council Member Murat Köse
• Religious officials Erkan Azizoğlu and Hamdi Bekir
• Parliamentary advisor Gürhan Ömeroğlu
• Retired teacher Nihat Osmanoğlu
• The late Mufti of İskeçe, Ahmet Mete, had also been among the defendants.

Broader Implications

The case drew widespread attention in Western Thrace due to its connection to minority association rights and the implementation of European human rights rulings in Greece.

With the acquittal of all defendants, the four-year legal chapter surrounding the 2021 protest has formally closed.