Turkish prosecutors seek jail terms for anti-government student protesters

Prosecutors seek between six months and three years' prison time for 97 suspects

Turkish prosecutors are seeking prison sentences for 97 people for taking part in one of the country's biggest anti-government protest movements in years, sparked by the state appointment of a new rector at Istanbul's most prestigious university in January.

The issue became an unexpected catalyst for Turkey's youth to vent their frustrations at both the crackdown by the president, Recep Tayyip Erdoan, on civil liberties and the government's failure to get an economic crisis under control. Sporadic clashes with police lasted for weeks in early 2021.