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Ayse Barim, the manager of numerous prominent figures in Türkiye’s film and television industry, has been released from prison under judicial control measures after facing charges linked to the 2013 Gezi Park protests.
Several high-profile actors testified, consistently denying that Barim had influenced their decisions to participate in the Gezi Park demonstrations.
Actress Humeyra Akbay told the court, “My understanding of Ayse is that she is apolitical. She never directs anyone. I went to Gezi Park on my own will. Ayse had nothing to do with it.”
Ceyda Duvenci stated she attended the protests for three days but stressed, “Emine Ayse Barim did not direct me. I joined of my own initiative.”
Similarly, Berguzar Korel said she and her husband joined independently: “Ayse Barim never pushed me to attend Gezi Park. I did not see her there.”
Halit Ergenc also made clear that his decision was personal: “Ayse Barim did not influence me. I went with my wife of my own free will. She never asked me to read any statement.”
Actor Nejat Isler explained that he joined demonstrations by chance while visiting Istanbul from Bodrum: “Nobody sends me anywhere. I go where I want to go. At most, Ayse insists on paying for the meal if we eat together.”
Many witnesses highlighted their long professional and personal ties with Barim. They explained that frequent phone calls reflected friendship rather than political coordination.
Actress Selma Ergenc noted that her calls with Barim during the period related to new projects and work matters, not the protests. Mehmet Gunsur said, “Gezi Park or how I behaved there was never guided by Ayse. I manage my own social media.”
Veteran actor Zafer Algoz described Barim as “apolitical,” recalling, “She always advised her clients not to engage in political or football fanaticism.”
Barim, speaking through tears, said she had been unfairly targeted: “For days I keep asking myself why I was singled out, why my right to live was taken away. I want to believe in justice, but this process frightens me.”
She described severe health issues in prison, including heart and neurological problems, panic attacks, and significant weight loss. She insisted she did not refuse medical care but said her condition had worsened during detention.
The court eventually ruled for her release under judicial control, allowing her to await trial outside prison.
Barim, founder of ID Consulting Ltd., was taken into custody in January on allegations that she played a role in mobilizing actors during the Gezi Park protests. She had been detained since late January in Marmara Prison.
Her lawyer stressed that Barim remains a detainee rather than a convicted individual, underscoring the presumption of innocence.
The investigation has also extended to some of the actors who testified in her defense. Prosecutors accused Halit Ergenc and Riza Kocaoglu of providing evasive answers to shield Barim, opening separate cases for alleged perjury. Both received prison sentences, though the court postponed the announcement of the verdicts.
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