The university students , who opened a “free education” banner at the “Roma Initiative” meeting organized by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan on 14 March, were taken to court. The prosecutor asked for up to 15 years prison sentence. The participation of the students at the press conference for Engin Çeber was also considered to be a criminal offence. Students are also charged with membership of on illegal organization.

Students Berna Yýlmaz, Ferhat Tüzer and Utku Aykar opened a “free education” banner during the speech made by PM Erdoðan. The PM was speaking at the initiative promoted by the government to get the Roma community more involved in the country's life. The initiative is called “I am meeting Roma citizens”. Three students were taken to court and the prosecutor asked for a sentence between 6 to 15 years in prison.

In the accusation prepared by the Public Prosecutor of Istanbul it is stated that Berna Yýlmaz and Ferhat Tüzer had previously taken part in the campaigns called “America, go home” which were held in various cities.

Translator: Berna Ozgencil