Closing request for SPoD Association: Imprisonment demanded for the founders

In the indictment prepared within the scope of the investigation carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against the Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies Association (SPoD), the audit report of the Governorship Provincial Directorate of Civil Society Relations, financial research reports prepared by the gendarmerie, MASAK data review report, open source research, examinations made in the association building, social media posts and the general ledger of the association were included as evidence.

In the indictment, which stated that the association went beyond the aims and areas of activity specified in its charter, it was claimed that "sexual orientations were encouraged through educational programs and organizations within the scope of the association's activities."

The indictment also included a post on the association's social media account on April 23, National Sovereignty and Children's Day, and a post on Lesbian Visibility Day. It was stated that children can access the association's internet shares without any filters.

While it was recorded that a total of 1 million 570 thousand 692 dollars of foreign financing was provided between 2012 and 2026, it was claimed that the money transfers stated to be made by different institutions and organizations were related to the activities carried out outside the purposes stated in the association's charter.

A REQUEST FOR UP TO 3 YEARS OF PRISON AND THE DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION WAS REQUESTED

In the indictment, it was requested that Cenk Soyer, Osman Cihan Hüroğlu, Özlem Çolak and Volkan Yılmaz be punished from 1 to 3 years within the scope of the article 'establishing/managing an association whose establishment is prohibited or whose subject matter constitutes a crime' of the Associations Law No. 5253. It was also requested that the Association for Social Policy, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Studies be dissolved.

"ALL OF OUR RIGHTS TO ORGANIZE ARE BEING TARGETED"

In its statement following the termination request, PoD reminded that since its establishment, it has been working to ensure that LGBTI people live an equal and free life, free from discrimination and violence. Reacting to the rights advocacy activities it carried out being made the subject of accusations, the association said:

"We worked to ensure that LGBTI+ people can live an equal and free life, free from discrimination and violence. We established areas of solidarity, provided legal and psychosocial support, produced together, and stood side by side. Now, our work, activity reports, events and solidarity practices that we have been carrying out for 15 years are being cited as justification for the demand for the closure of our association. Yes, we did all of these. We would do it again!”

SPoD stated that the demand for the closure of the association targets not only its own activities but also the freedom of association and said, "Because we know that organizing is not a crime, it is a right. Defending LGBTI+ rights, solidarity and coming together is not a crime. "The termination demand made against SPoD today targets not only one association, but all of our right to organize," he said.

CALL TO HEARING ON NOVEMBER 18

SPoD called for solidarity for the hearing to be held at the 27th Criminal Court of First Instance of Istanbul Çağlayan Courthouse on Wednesday, November 18, at 13.30. The association invited all rights organizations, democratic mass organizations, unions, professional chambers and members of the press to follow the case.