Ruling comes after May 17 Association was accused of violating the law on associations
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Ankara Criminal Court acquitted Defne Gözet, head of May 17 Association, of charges of "violating the law on associations" over the publication of content related to transgender rights.
The ruling came in the first hearing of a trial that has sparked debate over the limits of freedom of expression and social activism in Turkey.
The case represents an important test for the protection of sexual and gender minority rights before judicial authorities.
An Ankara court acquitted Devni Gözal, head of the 17 May Association, of violating the law on associations over her publication of content on bisexual rights. The case was closed in the first hearing without need for additional sessions.
The ruling signals a possible easing in the Turkish authorities' stance toward LGBTQ+ rights activism, which could affect the operating freedom of human rights organizations in Turkey and their ability to publish content on sexual minority issues without direct legal risks.
Mehmet Yılmaz