The Yanardağ Case: Casus Belli

The ongoing prosecution of Merdan Yanardağ, alongside figures like Ekrem İmamoğlu and Necati Özkan, in what is termed a 'Casus Belli' (cause for war) case, highlights a disturbing trend of eroding fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkey. The seizure of Tele1 television channel and its subsequent sale at a fraction of its value further underscores the government's aggressive stance against dissent and independent media.

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Merdan Yanardağ’ın, CHP’nin Cumhurbaşkanı Adayı ve İstanbul Belediye Başkanı Ekrem İmamoğlu ve Necati Özkan ile birlikte yargılandığı “Casusluk Davası” ve Tele1 televizyon kanalına el konularak İstanbul’da iyi bir semtteki bir apartman dairesi fiyatına satışa çıkarılması...

This situation has understandably generated widespread concern, anxiety, and fear, both domestically and internationally. The author argues that the government's actions demonstrate a clear violation of its core responsibilities: protecting citizens' freedom, life, and property. Key pillars of a democratic society, such as judicial independence, freedom of expression, the right to opposition, press freedom, the right to information, property rights, the presumption of innocence, and the right to be tried without detention, appear to be under systematic attack.

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Ulusal ve uluslararası “Kamuoyu Vicdanı”nda, bu İktidarın, aşağıdaki konularda, Temel Hak ve Özgürlükleri ihlal ettiği hakkında bir üzüntü, kaygı ve korku uyandırmış görünüyor: 1) Devletin, vatandaşlarının özgürlüğünü, can ve mal güvenliğini koruma görev ve sorumluluğu 2) Yargı Bağımsızlığı 3) En Temel Hak ve Özgürlük Olan İfade Özgürlüğü 4) Demokratik Rejim’in ön koşulu olan Muhalefet Hakkı ve Özgürlüğü 5) Basın Özgürlüğü 6) Halkın Haber Alma Hakkı 7) Mülkiyet Hakkı 8) Masumiyet Karinesi 9) Tutuksuz Yargılanma Hakkı 1 0) Ve daha pek çok benzer hak ve özgürlük!

The author posits that the labeling of CHP-affiliated municipalities as 'criminal organizations,' the imprisonment of Ekrem İmamoğlu on dubious charges, and the disregard for Constitutional Court rulings are all indicators that the ruling power views the constitution and the main opposition party, CHP, as a 'casus belli.' The term, borrowed from international law, signifies a justification for war, suggesting that the government is engaged in a broader conflict against democratic institutions and principles.

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“Casus belli”, Latince bir terim olup “Savaş Nedeni” ya da “Savaş Bahanesi” anlamına gelir ve bir savaşın meşruiyetini kanıtlamak için kullanılır.

The 'espionage case' against Yanardağ, İmamoğlu, and Özkan is presented not as a genuine legal matter, but as a pretext, a 'casus belli,' for the government's wider campaign against the constitution, the media, and the opposition. While this narrative may not convince everyone, it resonates deeply with many, including those who have previously supported the ruling party. The article concludes with a personal note on Mother's Day, expressing solidarity with Merdan Yanardağ's mother and attesting to his patriotism and integrity, despite any political disagreements.

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İşte bu “Casusluk Davası” da “Kamuoyu Vicdanı”nda bütün öteki “Butlan Davası”, “İBB Davası” ve benzerleri gibi, İktidarın “Demokratik Laik ve Sosyal Hukuk Devleti Anayasası”na karşı giriştiği hamlenin gerekçesini oluşturmak için açılmış bir dava olarak sunulmakta... Ama pek kimseyi ikna edememekte...