GENEVA — United Nations human rights experts on Friday sharply criticized the criminal prosecution of leaders of the Istanbul Bar Association, calling it a “chilling attack” on the independence of lawyers and a violation of international law.
The group of experts expressed “alarm” over terrorism-related charges brought against 10 members of the Bar Association, including its president, İbrahim Kaboğlu. One board member, Firat Epözdemir, has been detained since January 25 and remains in custody.
The charges stem from a December 2024 statement by the Bar Association, which condemned the deaths of two journalists reportedly killed in a Turkish drone strike in northern Syria and called for an effective investigation.
Turkish prosecutors allege the Bar’s statement amounted to disseminating “terrorist propaganda” and “publicly disseminating misleading information.” A criminal hearing took place May 28–29 at Marmara Prison, formerly known as Silivri Prison.
In a separate legal move, a Turkish court on March 21 ordered the dismissal of the Bar’s elected leadership, claiming the association exceeded its professional mandate. The ruling, issued under Article 77/5 of Türkiye’s Attorneyship Law, mandates new elections.
“The criminal prosecution in retaliation for the exercise of free speech is an alarming assault on freedom of expression and lawyers’ rights,” the experts said in a joint statement. “This attempt to silence the Bar Association by weaponizing the law is an appalling violation of international law and sets a troubling precedent.”
They emphasized that the Bar’s statement was a legitimate call for justice and accountability. “Efforts to fight impunity, particularly for killings of journalists, should be upheld—not criminalized,” they said.
The experts warned that using terrorism and misinformation laws to suppress dissent undermines the rule of law. They called for the immediate release of Epözdemir and the dismissal of the charges, which they described as “legal harassment.”
They also stressed the critical role lawyers play in ensuring fair trials and upholding justice. “States must guarantee that those who practice law can do so free from intimidation, obstacles, harassment or interference,” they said.
The experts have contacted the Turkish government to express their concerns. Turkish officials have not publicly responded.
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