Ayşe Barım is the founder of ID Iletisim and a well-known manager of many famous actors in Turkiye. In early January 2025, various allegations surfaced in the media regarding her dual role as both a casting director and a manager. Some industry figures argued that this situation created a conflict of interest and was unethical, while her supporters highlighted her expertise in talent discovery and dismissed these claims as unfounded. These discussions were widely covered by the media and frequently appeared in entertainment news.
However, she was soon caught up in a political case and was taken into custody on January 24, 2025. As part of the Gezi Park trial, she was arrested on January 27, 2025, on charges of “attempting to overthrow the government”. The accusations against Barım include organizing protests, providing financial support, and directing various actions. Authorities claimed that she attended various meetings and was in contact with certain groups, leading to her imprisonment.
The Gezi Park Movement initially began to protect nature, and to prevent the government from turning the park into a commercial center. But in fact the movement began as a criticism of the government’s environmental policies, and later it continued as a protest against the government’s oppression. These initially peaceful demonstrations against the government were met with heavy police intervention, causing widespread unrest. Many activists, artists, and business people have been prosecuted as part of this case, despite international legal experts frequently pointing out its weak legal foundation. One of the most striking examples of this is Osman Kavala, who was sentenced to life imprisonment without any concrete evidence. The fact that Ayşe Barım has also been arrested within this scope further demonstrates how the judiciary is being used for political purposes.
Furthermore, it has been revealed that this process is not limited to Ayşe Barım alone. Eight other artists have also been summoned for questioning under the same investigation and are facing similar charges. This situation has sparked significant outrage among the artistic community and human rights advocates.
Barım’s arrest is a clear violation of human rights and the rule of law. These charges are being used as a political tool for oppression, disregarding the principles of justice. Even after 12 years, the government is still using the Gezi Park trial as a pressure tool on all who oppose the government. The lack of concrete evidence against her reveals that this process is merely an attempt to silence opposition voices. The rule of law must be upheld, justice must be free from political interference, and human rights must be protected.
As a result, Ayşe Barım’s case has gained widespread attention in both the media and the legal world. As her detention and trial continue, the unfounded nature of the charges against her is becoming increasingly evident.
As Right Defender Initiative (RDI), we demand the immediate release of Ayşe Barım and all individuals unjustly arrested as part of the Gezi trial. We reject the use of law as a tool for political oppression and firmly believe in protecting freedom of expression for all. We call upon the international community and human rights organizations to take action against this injustice. We will continue our fight for justice and for the protection of fundamental human rights.
