« Of course I’m going to criticize »: Ghent student Esila remains combative after release from Turkish cell (Ghent)
Esila Ayik, who is studying at the Kask in Gnet Photography, was arrested on 8 April during a demonstration in Ankara, where she showed a banner with criticism of President Erdogan.
« No, » she answers the question if she understands why she was arrested. « Because there is no explanation. » According to her, the response of the authorities comes down to pure censorship. « The government says that you should not say ‘dictator Erdogan’, because that is not respectful. »
Why she was finally released on Thursday remains a mystery to her. « They say it was a young judge, » she says. « But I guessed it. »
Although she is standing on the plain for the time being about whether Erdogan should resign, Esila makes it clear that her critical voice will not disappear. She does realize that she has to adjust her tone. « Yes, of course I’m going to criticize, » she says. « But not in the same way. I’m going to be a little friendlier. »
Not the only one
She says she does not do that out of conviction, but out of necessity. « I don’t want that, but it has to be. But I am not someone who is silent. So I’m going to try to support democracy. » She points out that her case is not unique: « Other students are locked up. »
The public attention in Turkey was overwhelming. « They know me, because I was in the newspapers about every day and on television almost every day, » she says. « The population in Turkey is really angry. » She calls herself « an ordinary student ». « I stopped a banner. That is the reason. No blood has flowed. »
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According to her, the case hit a sensitive chord. « About half of the Turks are against Erdogan. Everyone realizes today: » I can be Esila. « It is not next time, but it might be their children. »
Finally, she takes care of the balance: « This is not a free country. If this were a free country, I would not be picked up for about one month, » it sounds. She says she wants to return to Belgium because she is free there.
Without conditions
According to Elisa’s lawyer Göksun Canberk Ulug, Ayik was released together with two other young people without legal conditions. The criminal prosecution is retained. Ayik risks a prison sentence of a maximum of four years and eight months on accusation of « insulting the president ». That indictment stems from the fact that during the protest she held a sign with the text « Dictator », addressed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The protest took place in the night of 8 to 9 April. Ayik was then arrested together with two friends. She had traveled to Istanbul at the beginning of April to visit family.
The judge allowed her to return to Belgium to resume her studies awaiting a new session, which is planned in December.
Pressure exerted
Mayor of Gent Mathias De Clercq reacts relieved to Elisa’s release. « I am happy that Esila has been released. Via different ways I have practiced his release: at Our Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the Turkish ambassador, at the European Commissioner competent for the judiciary and democracy. That she is now released is really good news. She is very welcome in Ghent to continue her studies on the Kask, » said the mayor.
KASK director Filip Rathée calls the release « an unlikely story ». « We are very happy that she is free. We will support her to finish this academic year. Together with the teachers we look at how we can guide her. » According to Rathée, the school is ready to catch her as soon as she is back in Belgium. « She is more than welcome. »
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The Consulate General in Istanbul and the Belgian Embassy in Ankara follow up the developments in Turkey, with attention to, among other things, the various lawsuits against opposition members and the civil society. « In our contacts with the Turkish government, we always insist on a complete transparency, respecting the applicable legal proceedings and protecting freedom of expression, » Foreign Affairs responds on Wednesday after the release. « We also did this in this specific file. »
