Ali Yildiz received the 2025 Scott Crosby Human Rights Award from the European Criminal Bar Association for his work with the Arrested Lawyers Initiative, which supports persecuted lawyers in Turkey and advocates for human rights worldwide.
International Advocacy
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.
TALI leads joint call urging Turkey to end discriminatory parole policies
Thirteen human rights organizations urge Turkey to address prison overcrowding and ensure new release laws do not discriminate against political prisoners, highlighting systemic issues in prison conditions and healthcare.
Convention for the Protection of Lawyers Nears the Finish Line
The Council of Europe is set to adopt the historic Convention for the Protection of Lawyers in 2025, establishing legal safeguards for legal professionals facing threats and violence. The treaty is unique as it offers binding protections for lawyers.
The UN report exposes Turkey’s dire human rights record
The United Nations Human Rights Committee’s review of Türkiye’s adherence to the ICCPR shows notable progress alongside critical failures. Key issues include a decline in judicial independence, misuse of counter-terrorism laws, torture allegations, enforced disappearances, suppression of civil society, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. Urgent reforms are recommended.
TALI submits six reports to the Human Rights Council for Turkey’s review
For the fourth Universal Periodic Review of Turkey by the UN Human Rights Council, the Arrested Lawyers Initiative contributed six submissions highlighting the human rights situation in Turkey.