The ban on 'activities to combat violence against women' in Beyoğlu was reversed by the judiciary

The Lawyer's Voice Initiative filed a lawsuit at the Istanbul 6th Administrative Court on November 25, 2025, against the decision of the Beyoğlu District Governorate to ban all events in the district for 24 hours within the scope of the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, 2025.

After some time passed, the court annulled the ban with its decision. The decision noted that the administration failed to present the "clear and present danger" condition required for the ban.

THE PROHIBITION DECISION WAS MADE ON NOVEMBER 24

With its decision dated 24 November 2025, Beyoğlu District Governorate banned all meetings, demonstrations and similar events to be held within the district borders between 00.01 and 23.59 on 25 November. The decision was based on Article 17 of the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations No. 2911 and Article 32/C of the Provincial Administration Law No. 5442.

In its defense, the district governor's office claimed that there was heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic in Beyoğlu, that there were no designated areas and routes for meetings and demonstrations, and that there were negative experiences during the protests in the past years. It was also argued that provocative events could occur during the planned events and public order could be disrupted.

COURT: NO CONCRETE DANGER HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED

The court reminded that in order for a particular meeting to be banned within the scope of Article 17 of Law No. 2911, there must be a clear and present danger that a crime will be committed. In the decision, it was emphasized that restrictions on the right to assembly and demonstration should be based on concrete evidence, and the administration's justifications should be convincing and open to judicial review.

The court stated that the administration did not present a clear, concrete and imminent danger that a crime would be committed during the events planned to be held on November 25. The decision included the evaluation that "The banning decision was established based on the possibility of events occurring."

The decision also pointed out that the right to organize meetings and demonstrations protects not only the generally accepted opinions of the society, but also the opinions that may disturb or provoke a reaction from a segment of the society. It was emphasized that the administration's tolerant approach towards demonstrations that remain non-violent and peaceful is a requirement of a democratic society.

For these reasons, the court concluded that the ban decision of Beyoğlu District Governorate was not in compliance with the law and ruled to annul the action.

THE ROUTE OF APPEAL IS OPEN

Istanbul 6th Administrative Court unanimously gave the annulment decision in the file numbered 2025/2397 and decision numbered 2026/2339 on 27 October 2026.

An appeal is available to the Istanbul Regional Administrative Court within 30 days following the notification of the decision. For this reason, the cancellation decision has not been finalized yet.