Author Archives
A rights group consists of lawyers making advocacy to ensure lawyers and human rights defenders perform their duty without fear of intimidation, reprisal and judicial harassment.
The Arrested Lawyers Initiative is the member of the International Observatory for Lawyers.
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Exclusive interview with Kenneth Roth, former director of HRW
In an exclusive interview, the Arrested Lawyers Initiative speaks with Kenneth Roth, the former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch (HRW) and author of Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments.
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Rights Groups Urge Turkey to Release Critically Ill Lawyer
The Arrested Lawyers Initiative and 15 organizations are demanding the immediate suspension of imprisoned lawyer Süleyman Yıldırım’s sentence due to his critical health condition. They warn his continued imprisonment violates human rights, urging Turkey to prioritize his medical needs.
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The Court of Cassation defies ECHR, upholds the conviction of 12 lawyers to 80+ years
The Ankara Regional Court of Appeal and the Court of Cassation upheld the convictions of 12 lawyers, totaling over 80 years in prison, defying the European Court of Human Rights’ Yalcinkaya ruling. Turkey’s judiciary shows significant disregard for international law and judicial independence, raising concerns over human rights enforcement in the country.
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International Outcry Over Prosecution against the Leadership of Istanbul Bar
The trial of Istanbul Bar Association President İbrahim Kaboğlu and board members has been postponed until January 2026. Legal leaders and international organizations decry this as an attack on judicial independence and human rights.
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Turkey’s Judiciary Accused of Running a “Trial Marketplace” to Target Istanbul Opposition
Turkey’s judiciary faces mounting corruption claims as opposition voices decry a “trial marketplace.” Allegations of extortion, fabricated evidence, and political manipulation highlight deep systemic decay, with Istanbul’s opposition mayors targeted in what critics call lawfare serving President Erdoğan’s political agenda.
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How Turkey’s Legal Guardianship System Turned Against Its Most Vulnerable
The guardianship scandal at the Anatolian Courthouse in Istanbul revealed yet another instance of major judicial corruption. The systematic exploitation of vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly, suggests collusion among judges and lawyers. Investigations have highlighted systemic failures, inadequate oversight, and a disregard for early warning signs.