Ege University Suspends Constitutional Right to Assembly, Bans Demonstrations

Ege University has effectively suspended the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, banning all demonstrations, marches, and press statements on its campuses without prior authorization. The university's rectorate issued a directive on August 3, requiring advance permission for any such events at its main campus and all affiliated units.

The decision, signed by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Boyacı, invokes the Law on Meetings and Demonstrations (No. 2911). However, it explicitly warns academics, administrative staff, and students that non-compliance will be considered a disciplinary offense under the Law on Higher Education (No. 2547). This has been widely interpreted as a clear intimidation tactic.

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It is a clearly unlawful decision. Universities do not have the authority to make such a decision.

İzmir Bar Association President Av. Sefa Yılmaz strongly condemned the university's move, labeling it "clearly unlawful." He asserted that universities lack the authority to make such decisions, which infringe upon constitutional rights. Yılmaz criticized the broader situation in Turkey, stating, "The Constitutional Court makes decisions, but some people do not implement them. Ege University makes such a decision because we are not a state of law; everyone makes decisions according to themselves and tries to implement them."

The university's action comes amid growing concerns about the erosion of democratic rights and freedoms in Turkey, with institutions increasingly seen as acting outside legal and constitutional frameworks.

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The Constitutional Court makes decisions, but some people do not implement them. Ege University makes such a decision because we are not a state of law; everyone makes decisions according to themselves and tries to implement them.