A court in Istanbul has sentenced a prominent artistic agent, Aise Barim, to 12.5 years in prison for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government during the widespread protests in Turkey in the spring of 2013. The decision, reported by the official Turkish news agency Anadolu, came as a result of accusations that Barim incited actors she represented to join the Gezi Park protests, which were aimed at opposing then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government. The prosecution had originally sought a life sentence, highlighting the severity of the charges against her.

The Gezi Park protests began as a response to the government's plans to demolish the park but quickly transformed into a broader movement against Erdoğan's leadership and policies. These protests garnered international attention and were characterized by a significant police crackdown, resulting in multiple casualties and arrests. Barim, who was arrested in January 2025, has consistently denied the charges, arguing that she did not encourage any actors to participate in the protests nor was she involved in organizing them.

Barim's case exemplifies the ongoing tensions and political repression in Turkey under Erdoğan's rule, particularly against dissenters and those in the creative industries. The lengthy prison sentence raises concerns regarding freedom of expression and the government’s stance on artistic and political dissent, further polarizing the political landscape in a country where the crackdown on dissent continues to escalate.