In a concerning move for legal independence, Turkish authorities are escalating attacks on the Istanbul Bar Association and its members, alarming a coalition of international lawyers and human rights organisations. The recent removal of the Bar’s elected leadership, sanctioned by the Istanbul 2nd Assize Court, undermines justice and the rule of law, striking at the very foundation of legal autonomy in Turkey.
On 21 March 2025, an unprecedented court ruling led to the dismissal of the Bar’s president and executive board, mandating new elections. Such actions mock the principles that support a fair and independent legal system, highlighting a troubling trend of interference in the legal profession.
The situation worsened with the criminal charges laid against Istanbul Bar President İbrahim Kaboğlu and other board members, accused of “making propaganda for a terrorist organisation”. This stems from their call for an independent investigation into the deaths of two journalists, illustrating the grave restrictions faced by legal professionals advocating for human rights in Turkey.
The arbitrary detention of board member Fırat Epözdemir further exemplifies the crackdown on legal advocates. Arrested after a visit to the Council of Europe, he faces serious charges simply for his professional conduct, signifying the ongoing harassment of those in the legal field who challenge state actions.
Tensions escalated following the arrest of Istanbul’s Mayor, leading to widespread protests and further repression of lawyers attempting to assist detainees. Many lawyers experienced arrests and faced obstacles in fulfilling their duties, including being denied access to clients and barred from important hearings, undermining their ability to defend rights effectively.
These actions by the Turkish government violate the legal right to defense and demonstrate a disturbing increase in state-sanctioned repression against those who uphold justice. The ongoing targeting of the legal profession threatens fundamental rights and erodes public trust in the justice system.
Faced with this alarming situation, the international community is urged to take action by demanding a halt to all judicial proceedings against the Istanbul Bar’s leadership, condemning the misuse of the legal system, ensuring immediate release of detained legal professionals, and supporting the Bar’s independence from state control. Calls are being made for robust international intervention to safeguard human rights and uphold the rule of law in Turkey.
The Turkish authorities have escalated their attacks on the Istanbul Bar Association, leading to the removal of its elected leadership and criminal charges against its members. This crackdown is seen as a direct assault on legal independence, stirring alarm within global legal circles. Arbitrary arrests of lawyers amid public protests exemplify an increasing repression toward those defending human rights, posing a severe threat to the rule of law.
The attacks on the legal profession in Turkey are unprecedented and deeply troubling, jeopardising the independence of lawyers and the rule of law. The actions faced by the Istanbul Bar Association set a dangerous precedent for legal practitioners everywhere. The international community must step forward, vocally supporting those fighting for justice and human rights in Turkey, and enforcing measures to protect the integrity of legal processes.
Original Source: www.omct.org
