A major judicial scandal in Turkey involves allegations that a judge tried to bribe a prosecutor to drop a serious crime case. Ongoing judicial corruption scandals raise concerns about the integrity of the judiciary in Turkey.
Turkey Human Rights Blog
Istanbul Bar Board Member Detained Over Pro-Kurdish Activitism
Istanbul lawyer Fırat Epözdemir, a member of the Istanbul Bar Association’s Board of Directors, has been detained over pro-Kurdish and human rights activism.
Judge Accused of Corruption Appointed to Lead Judicial Training Academy
President Erdogan’s appointment of Bekir Altun as head of Turkey’s Justice Academy has sparked controversy due to his past allegations of corruption and misconduct. Altun, accused of judicial manipulation and favoritism, has denied wrongdoing, yet his role raises concerns about the integrity of Turkey’s judiciary and the erosion of judicial independence under the current government.
UN Special Rapporteurs condemn Turkey’s abuse of anti-terror provision to persecute lawyers
The United Nations condemns Turkey for misusing counterterrorism laws to imprison lawyers and activists, highlighting the case of Turan Canpolat as emblematic of judicial independence erosion. Following the failed 2016 coup, Turkey’s government has increasingly targeted legal professionals, prompting international outcry for accountability and adherence to human rights standards.
Turkey/HRW 2025 Report: Corruption, ECHR Defiance and Abuses
Human Rights Watch’s 2025 report highlights Turkey’s entrenched corruption, defiance of ECtHR rulings, and ongoing persecution of dissenters under Erdoğan’s leadership. Judicial independence erodes, with thousands detained for alleged Gülen ties and widespread media censorship. Economic crises fuel xenophobia towards refugees, while women face rising violence and inadequate protections.
Istanbul Prosecutor seeks dismissal of the leadership of Istanbul Bar
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office seeks the dismissal of the Istanbul Bar Association’s leadership, accusing them of spreading terrorist propaganda and misleading information. This legal action follows the Bar’s statement on the deaths of journalists in Syria. The Bar claims the investigation violates legal protections for their organization, highlighting increased government interference in Turkey’s legal profession.