Turkey's Constitutional Court declares 2019 Van protest bans unconstitutional

The Constitutional Court, sitting as its General Assembly, concluded that the 18 bans issued by the Van Governor’s Office in 2019 infringed Article 34’s guarantee of freedom of assembly. The court held that a blanket prohibition requires evidence of an imminent, concrete risk and that authorities must first explore less restrictive options. It criticized the Governor’s Office for relying on abstract security concerns and failing to detail how the events could lead to violence.

Six judges dissented, arguing the challenge covered only a narrow period and that the justification was sufficient. The ruling mandates a new review by the Van 2nd Administrative Court and grants Mahmut Kaçan 50,000 liras in non-pecuniary damages plus legal costs.