The Gezi protests began in June 2013 as a small environmental sit-in against plans to redevelop Istanbul’s Gezi Park. The movement quickly grew into nationwide demonstrations against then-prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government, drawing hundreds of thousands of people into the streets.

At the time, the government described the protests as an attempt to destabilise the state. Critics, however, saw them as a largely peaceful expression of public frustration over governance and civil liberties 

In Barim’s case, prosecutors accused her of encouraging actors she managed to join the protests, alleging she played a role in efforts to undermine the government . She was briefly released in October due to health concerns, but was re-arrested the following day.

Turkey’s continued prosecutions linked to the Gezi protests reflect the government’s long-standing position that the events were not spontaneous demonstrations but part of a coordinated effort to challenge state authority and consequently overthrow the government.

According to the charge sheet, prosecutors allege that Kimambi obtained the money in March 2022 in Dar es Salaam, knowing it was the proceeds of crime. They also claim she earned it by working as a journalist without accreditation and by “demanding money through intimidation.” The case is set for mention on December 4 at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Kimambi confirmed in a video posted on December 2 that she had been notified of the charges, saying the government wants to force her return to Tanzania. The charges fall under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Economic and Organised Crime Control Act.

A former model, Kimambi became a prominent activist during the late President John Magufuli’s administration and later mobilised the recent 29 October anti-government protests from abroad. She has long pushed for electoral reforms, a new constitution and stronger safeguards for civil liberties . Although she once publicly supported President Samia Suluhu Hassan, she has since become one of the administration’s fiercest critics.

Her case comes in the midst of an apparent crackdown on high-profile activists. Earlier in November, Tanzanian influencer Jennifer “Niffer” Jovin was charged with treason, a capital offence, after participating in the viral “Nywinywi” dance challenge, which evolved into a digital protest movement during the general election.

The special prosecutor’s office argues she has “placed herself above the law” and undermined public trust in the justice system. Kim’s legal team denies all wrongdoing, insisting she acted as an ordinary investor in the stock case and that the gifts were ceremonial congratulatory items and not bribery.

Kim said in her final court statement that she had been “wronged in many ways” but apologised for causing public concern.

The trial is only one part of a wide investigation involving allegations of political interference, bribery and influence-peddling. She is also awaiting trial on accusations linked to the alleged unlawful recruitment of Unification Church members into the ruling party and other ongoing probes.

A final verdict is expected in January 2026.