The Arrested Lawyers Initiative (TALI) is pleased to announce two recent submissions to the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC), prepared in collaboration with the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI). These submissions were made as part of the Committee’s review process for Türkiye that will take place in October 2024 and highlight the significant challenges faced by the country in upholding human rights, particularly in the legal and judicial sectors. Below is a summary of the key points raised in both submissions.

1. Submission on Türkiye’s Human Rights and Judicial Independence

This submission emphasizes the critical deterioration of human rights in Türkiye since the 2016 coup attempt. Key areas of concern include:

• Judicial Independence: The report criticizes the continued political influence over the judiciary, undermining fair trial standards. The executive’s control over the appointment and functioning of judges has led to arbitrary prosecutions.
• Persecution of Lawyers: Since 2016, over 1,700 lawyers have faced prosecution, and over 700 have been detained under counter-terrorism laws. Many of these cases are based on lawyers’ professional activities, associating them with their clients in politically sensitive cases.
• Anti-Terrorism Laws: The vague and broad application of anti-terrorism laws, such as Article 314 of the Turkish Penal Code, has enabled mass arrests of not only lawyers but also political opponents, human rights defenders, and journalists.

The report calls for reforms that would restore judicial independence and ensure that Türkiye’s legal framework is aligned with international human rights obligations​.

2. Submission Addressing Torture and Enforced Disappearances

This second submission brings to light specific human rights violations, including:

• Torture and Ill-Treatment: Despite Türkiye’s claims of “zero tolerance for torture,” widespread abuse in detention centers has been reported. This includes physical beatings, sleep deprivation, and sexual abuse.
• Enforced Disappearances: The submission highlights several cases of enforced disappearances following the 2016 coup attempt. Many of these disappearances are suspected to involve the Turkish National Intelligence Agency, which operates with significant legal immunity.
• Prison Conditions: Reports document overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and the discriminatory treatment of political prisoners, resulting in several deaths in custody.

These documents serve as a powerful call to action, urging the Turkish government to reform its human rights practices and ensure accountability for violations​.

TALI remains committed to advocating for the rights of lawyers and defending human rights in Türkiye, ensuring that these issues are addressed on the international stage.

Categories: Factsheets and Submissions, International Advocacy