An Istanbul court has sentenced Ayse Barim, a prominent talent manager, to 12.5 years in prison for allegedly trying to overthrow the Turkish government during the Gezi protests that occurred in 2013. The protests were initially sparked by plans to redevelop Gezi Park in Istanbul, which quickly escalated into broader demonstrations against the government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Prosecutors accused Barim of inciting her actors to participate in these protests, which were largely seen as a significant challenge to the Erdogan administration's authority at the time.

The case against Barim reflects the ongoing tensions in Turkey surrounding dissent and freedom of expression. Since her arrest in January 2025, she has consistently denied the charges, asserting that her involvement was purely artistic and not politically motivated. In a dramatic turn of events, she was temporarily released in October before being re-arrested just one day later due to severe health issues, highlighting concerns regarding the treatment of individuals within the Turkish judicial system, particularly those associated with the opposition or dissent.

This sentencing is part of a broader pattern of crackdowns on dissenters in Turkey since the Gezi protests, contributing to an atmosphere of fear among activists, artists, and intellectuals. With Turkey poised for upcoming elections, this decision may have implications for the political landscape, raising questions about the government's stance on dissenting voices and the potential for increased repression as it navigates growing social unrest and dissatisfaction among the populace.