Turkish manager arrested for ‘attempting to overthrow gov’t’ over Gezi Park protests

Duvar English

Talent manager Ayşe Barım, who was investigated for allegedly being one of the planners of the Gezi Park protests, was arrested on Jan. 27 after a three-day detention period. 

The founder and partner of a management company ID Communication Consultancy, representing many celebrities in Turkey, gave a nearly three-hour statement to the terrorism prosecutor.

Following her statement, Barım was referred to the duty criminal court with a request for her arrest on charges of "assisting in the attempt to overthrow the government of the Republic of Turkey or prevent it from fulfilling its duties." The court ordered her arrest.

In the decision for Barım's arrest, the court described the Gezi protests as an "uprising movement aimed at overthrowing the legitimate government of the time, with actions conducive to achieving this purpose."

The decision also referenced court decisions related to the Gezi protests, mentioning the prison sentences given to businessperson Osman Kavala, Çiğdem Mater, and actor Memet Ali Alabora, whom Barım reportedly had communicated with.

The decision included transcripts from wiretaps related to the Gezi case. It was noted that in conversations with Alabora, Barım discussed a press statement to be made during the protests, and in her response, she remarked, "The tone and attitude here are completely contrary, extremely harmful."

The prosecution interpreted Barım’s statements as an indication that she was "seeking mass mobilization during the process of violent actions."

It was stated that Barım had phone conversations with Mater 14 times and with Alabora three times. However, the content of her conversations with Mater was not disclosed. 

Additionally, while it was claimed that Barım was in contact with Kavala, the arrest decision did not provide any details regarding the nature, location, or method of communication between them.

Kavala has been imprisoned as part of the Gezi Park trials since 2017 despite several European Court of Human Rights rulings for his release.

Barım's testimony

In her testimony to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, Barım stated that she attended the Gezi Park protests on her own initiative. “I went to Gezi Park 1-2 times. I attended events where artists recited poetry as a spectator. I went on my own accord, and no one asked or requested anything from me,” she said.

Barım emphasized that she did not influence any actors, adding, “Actors have their own thoughts and will. I never gave any instructions or directed them to join any organization or event.”

Barım also clarified her contact with Kavala, explaining that it was limited to the promotion of a film project. “I was in touch with Kavala regarding the gala and promotion of the film The Cut (Kesik in Turkish). It had no connection to the Gezi protests,” she said.

Refuting social media allegations, Barım described them as slander. “I have been the victim of a large, organized attack, and this process has taken a severe toll on me psychologically,” she stated, calling for her grievances to be addressed.

Allegation of monopolization evolves into coup plotting

Istanbul's Chief Public Prosecutor's Office firstly launched an investigation into Barım after social media posts and news claims raised “suspicions of monopolization in the talent management industry.” 

Barım, who has managed several well-known artists, was accused of monopolizing the industry, allegedly sidelining actors who opposed her. During the investigation, a travel ban was imposed on Barım, and famous actress Serenay Sarıkaya, one of her clients, was called in as a witness.

In a new development, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office claimed that between May 29 and June 2, 2013, Barım had allegedly encouraged the artists under her management to participate in the Gezi Park protests. 

Barım has been linked to individuals previously convicted and accused of being among the planners of the events.

As part of the investigation, several prominent actors, including Halit Ergenç, Bergüzar Korel, Mehmet Günsür, Ceyda Düvenci, Dolunay Soysert, Nejat İşler, Merve Dizdar, Rıza Kocaoğlu, and Nehir Erdoğan, were questioned as "witnesses." 

Journalist Emrullah Erdinç, who reported on the testimony, revealed that the actors were asked whether they attended the Gezi Park protests of their own free will or if they were directed to participate by Barım.

Also, a "false testimony" investigation was launched against actors Ergenç and Kocaoğlu after their statements. Despite both actors claiming they attended the protests voluntarily, prosecutors reportedly discovered that, during the protests, they were in frequent contact with Barım. 

According to a report from the daily Habertürk, the prosecutor concluded that Ergenç and Kocaoğlu gave “evasive answers to protect Barım.” 

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