Ayşe Barım's ongoing trial is seen as a 'warning' to Turkey's culture industry
ANKARA — In her first hearing today, a court ruled to extend the detention of Ayşe Barım, a prominent talent manager in Turkey’s entertainment sector. Her next court date was set for Oct. 1.
Barım, the founder and partner of ID Consultancy & Training Ltd, faces up to 30 years in prison on charges of “assisting an attempt to overthrow the government” for her alleged role in anti-government Gezi Park protests in 2013.
A top concern in her case is her deteriorating health. Barım turns 56 years old this month and was diagnosed with life-threatening heart issues as well as two brain aneurysms, which her lawyers cited while requesting her immediate release from jail.
Following her hearing today, Barım’s case remains widely viewed as a political trial designed to silence government criticism in Turkey’s entertainment industry amid a widening crackdown on the nation’s main opposition party.
“Ayşe Barım's arrest is seen as an intervention targeting the sector, yes, and at the same time, as a warning to culture industry actors and actors close to the opposition,” Şenay Aydemir, a film critic, told Turkey recap.
Lead up to the arrest
For years, Turkish Pres. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has complained of the misalignment between his government’s vision and the narratives portrayed in Turkey’s popular culture.
“Our media does not reflect our voice and breath,” Erdoğan said in a 2020 speech. “We face similar problems in science, art and culture. We cannot explain ourselves to the world. For this reason, I am of the opinion that we still have not established our intellectual power.”
In Turkey’s entertainment industry Barım, represented a behind-the-scenes powerbroker who worked with top actors in leading productions. Though she generally stayed out of the spotlight before September 2024, when rumors began circling about allegations in an article published by Fuat Uğur, a columnist for the pro-government TV100 website.
The report claimed a female talent manager had arranged a fake relationship between a female actress and a famous gay singer in exchange for five million dollars – allegedly paid for by the singer’s lover.
Four months after the article’s release, the allegation resurfaced in popular discourse amid accusations that Ayşe Barım was not providing actors to the national public broadcaster, the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT).
On Jan. 10, an investigation was launched into her influence on the industry. She faced charges of monopolizing the entertainment sector through “blackmail” and “violation of freedom of work”. A travel ban was imposed on her on Jan. 13 and she gave an initial court statement.
“Suddenly, only that paragraph of the article [referring to the paid relationship allegation] was taken and shared on various Twitter accounts. I am facing a very intense smear and slander campaign,” she told the prosecutor.
The actress alleged to be in a fake relationship also gave a witness statement and rejected the narrative.
Charges expand to Gezi
On Jan. 16, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated another investigation on Barım based on “allegations in the written and visual media regarding her participation in the Gezi Park-centered events in Taksim,” referring to the 2013 anti-government protests.
She was charged with “assisting an attempt to overthrow or obstruct the Turkish Republic” and Barım was detained on Jan. 24.
Three days later, Barım was placed under pre-trial arrest in Silivri prison, host to many political prisoners, including Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, philanthropist Osman Kavala – the most high-profile figure jailed on Gezi protest-related charges – as well as members of parliament, bureaucrats, journalists and lawyers.
The prosecutor's office prepared a 171-page indictment for Barım, alleging she oversaw the filming of movies, documentaries and videos to shape social and global perceptions about the Gezi protests. The indictment also alleged she instructed artists to share hashtags related to the protests on social media and “forced” artists to participate in demonstrations.
“Barım, during the Gezi Park incidents, coordinated the escalation of violence and incited protesters by making calls for action through artists affiliated with her company, and acted to plan, organize, and direct on social media and on the ground, showing resolve on behalf of artists-actors with high potential to attract public sympathy and lead masses, and had artists affiliated with her make posts,” the indictment stated.
Reflecting on allegations, film critic Şenay Aydemir said Barım’s case highlights the government’s underlying ambition to influence art and culture in Turkey.
“The ruling bloc in Turkey has a very pragmatic structure,” Aydemir told Turkey recap. “A development initiated by one wing of the government also creates a reflex in other wings like: 'How can we use this process to our advantage?'"
“Is all this being done to establish cultural hegemony?” he asked. “The answer is yes. There is undoubtedly an aspect of the issue related to reorganizing the billion-dollar TV series industry.”
Aydemir went on to say the initial rumors that she did not provide actors to production companies close to the government may have triggered a “revenge operation.”
Though he noted connecting her investigation to the Gezi protests serves as a threat to the entire arts and culture community.
"The ruling bloc is … intimidating actors who are effective in shaping public opinion on many issues such as femicides, unjust arrests and environmental disasters through social media posts,” he said.
“They are threatening them with unemployment,” Aydemir added. “The purpose of intimidating actors should not be underestimated. Actors who spread boycott lists announced after Ekrem İmamoğlu's arrest were fired from their jobs.”
Barım’s health condition
Since her detention, Barım’s pre-existing health conditions have deteriorated further in prison. Her lawyers submitted a petition for release on the grounds of a sudden death risk, but no action was taken.
Deniz Ketenci, Barım’s lawyer, said her last health examination indicated she had advanced cardiological diseases and required a pacemaker.
“It was stated that she needed emergency surgery in light of these evaluations,” Ketenci told Turkey recap. “Additionally, neurology detected two aneurysms [in her brain]. One was said to be growing and expanding.”
Barım lost consciousness four times in prison, according to her lawyer. Due to her health conditions, a nine-person board of physicians concluded Barım faced a high risk of a life-threatening health incident.
In a health report issued Jul. 2, the board determined Barım’s cardiovascular health was worsening and that she would not have access to adequate medical interventions in prison.
“The importance of taking all precautions against a sudden incident that could cause a brain hemorrhage at any moment under prison conditions was emphasized," Ketenci said, regarding Barım’s health assessments.
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