Teacher who climbed on water cannon vehicle in Izmir protest released

Deniz Yolçu, a teacher and deputy principal, has been released from custody following his detention for climbing onto a water cannon vehicle during a protest in Izmir. The incident occurred after authorities banned a rally planned by the Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP) in Cumhuriyet Square.

Yolçu was initially arrested and subsequently detained on charges of "damaging public property." His actions were a response to the police's use of pepper spray and high-pressure water against citizens attempting to enter the square after the rally was prohibited. His family reportedly paid for the alleged damages to the water cannon vehicle, leading to his release.

According to his lawyer, Musa Hanci, Yolçu climbed the vehicle to protest the "disproportionate intervention" by law enforcement. Hanci stated that Yolçu was subjected to excessive force, resulting in a broken nose and other injuries during his arrest. While a charge of "resisting an officer" was dropped, the "damaging public property" charge remained, leading to his continued detention.

Following the payment for damages, Yolçu was released under judicial control, including a signature obligation and a travel ban. The investigation into the alleged damage to the water cannon vehicle is ongoing, with an indictment expected soon. Yolçu, who was also suspended from his teaching position pending an administrative investigation, remains a focus of legal scrutiny.

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Müvekkilimizin, emniyet güçlerine ait TOMA aracının yurttaşlara yönelik ölçüsüz müdahalesine tepki göstermek amacıyla aracın üzerine çıktığını ifade ederek, “Bu eylemin ardından müvekkilimiz, kolluk kuvvetlerinin orantısız güç kullanımı ve kötü muamelesine maruz kalmış; burnu kırılarak ve darp edilerek gözaltına alınmıştır.