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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Latest ECtHR Cases Expose Systemic Torture and Impunity in Turkey| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
Ruhi Hallaçoğlu, a Turkish lawyer, became a victim of state oppression following the 2016 coup attempt. He was detained for years under inhumane conditions, with even his legal consultations monitored, yet he continued to fight from his prison cell. He won three cases before the European Court of Human Rights, vindicating his struggle, which should symbolize defiance against the unchecked power of the state.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Recent incidents reveal deep-rooted corruption in Turkey's judiciary, exacerbated by politically motivated appointments, allegations of ties to organized crime, and judicial abuse of power. Notable cases include lenient sentencing for a prosecutor's misconduct and scandalous behavior by judges. These developments highlight a dire need for judicial reforms to restore public trust.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The murder trial of Tahir Elçi, a prominent Kurdish human rights lawyer and then president of the Diyarbakir Bar Association, who was shot dead in November 2015, is now overshadowed by serious allegations of impunity, prosecutorial misconduct and torture of witnesses.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
On the fourth anniversary of the Halfeti torture incident, lawyer Gökhan Dayık wrote about the incident and the continuing state of impunity.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Halfeti'deki işkence vakasının dördüncü yıldönümünde avukat Gökhan Dayık olayı ve devam eden cezasızlık uygulamasını yazdı.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The Arrested Lawyers Initiative's input for the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on torture is now available on OHCHR's website.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
When a state fails to defend truth and justice, it becomes an accomplice in torture. Some states wrongly perceive criminal investigations into torture as a direct attack on their legitimacy. On the contrary, what threatens their governmental legitimacy is impunity.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Dethroned mobster’s relationships continue to expose: Drugs, guns and bribery| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
Istanbul Bar Board Member Detained Over Pro-Kurdish Activitism| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
Nine years after the declaration of a state of emergency following the controversial coup attempt, official figures show that the Turkish government's campaign against the Gülen Movement continues relentlessly and has reached an industrial scale| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
A joint comprehensive briefing document released by Human Rights Watch, the International Commission of Jurists, and the Turkey Human Rights Litigation Support Project details how Turkey is openly defying the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and dismantling the last remnants of judicial independence. The post New report reveals the tactics Turkey uses to defy ECHR rulings first appeared on The Arrested Lawyers Initiative. The post New report reveals the tactics Turkey uses to defy ECHR ...| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
Istanbul’s chief prosecutor faces mounting allegations of corruption and misuse of public resources, as opposition leader Özgür Özel accuses him of benefiting from state-funded luxuries while overseeing a sweeping crackdown on mayors from Turkey’s main opposition party, the CHP.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Turkish lawyer Burak Saldıroğlu remains in detention for nearly a month on charges of insulting President Erdoğan after sharing political content. His arrest has raised concerns over judicial independence, freedom of expression, and excessive political influence, in light of growing prosecutions under controversial laws.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Zabit Kişi, a Turkish teacher, faced enforced disappearance and torture by Turkish intelligence after seeking safety abroad post-2016 coup attempt. Detained unlawfully for 108 days, he endured severe brutality. Despite his testimonies and the Turkish Constitutional Court's recognition of procedural violations, substantive accountability for his torture remains unaddressed, revealing systemic injustices.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
In a significant development, the Kayseri 2nd Assize Court has reaffirmed the conviction of Mr. Yüksel Yalçınkaya, defying a previous ruling by the ECHR. This decision comes despite the Grand Chamber’s judgment, which found that Türkiye had violated Articles 6, 7, and 11 of the European Convention.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Former top prosecutor Kocaman is now accused of obstructing a murder investigation in favour of a wealthy businessman and his son, who allegedly spent a staggering 30 million Turkish Liras to get away with murder.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Turkey Human Rights Blog looks at the extent of corruption in the Turkish judiciary, where corrupt judges and prosecutors are getting richer while cracking down on government critics. The latest example is the Okan Bato case.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Implications of the Landmark Judgment: Yalçınkaya vs. Turkey| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Turkish Lawyer Held After Distributing Imamoğlu’s Social Media Posts Remains in Custody| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Disappeared, Tortured, Ignored: The Story of Zabit Kişi| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
The European Court of Human Rights has communicated pilot applications to Turkey regarding widespread allegations of torture and ill-treatment following the 2016 coup attempt. The cases highlight serious systemic failures in Turkey’s legal system related to human rights protection and accountability.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
March 21, 2025 | İstanbul – In a decision widely condemned as politically motivated, the İstanbul 2nd Civil Court of First Instance has removed the entire executive board of the İstanbul Bar Association, including its president, constitutional law scholar Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özden Kaboğlu. The ruling comes in response to a statement the Bar issued| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Disappeared, Tortured, Ignored: The Story of Zabit Kişi| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The Council of Europe's advisory body adopts its report concluding that the executive branch controls the Turkish judiciary.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The Turkish government's crackdown on alleged Gülen Movement affiliates has drawn severe criticism from international human rights experts. Accusations include mass arrests, torture, and transnational abductions. A UN letter highlights systematic abuses and calls for judicial reforms, underscoring concerns over eroding freedoms and the dangerous conflation of dissent with terrorism.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The ECtHR's ruling in Yasak v. Turkey raises significant concerns regarding the court's interpretation of human rights amidst Turkey's complex socio-political environment. Upholding Turkey's ban on the Gulen Movement, the judgment may enable continued prosecutions based on insufficient legal grounds, undermining due process, judicial impartiality, and the rights of Turkish citizens.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The ASSEDEL report criticizes the ECHR's Yasak v. Turkey judgment for overlooking key socio-political contexts and allowing weak evidence, potentially legitimizing Turkey's misuse of anti-terror laws. The judgment raises concerns that Turkey may use it to undermine the Grand Chamber's landmark Yalcinkaya ruling.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The European Parliament adopted its annual Turkey report which found the state of democracy, rights and freedoms is deplorable and condemned systemic rights violations.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The connections of dethroned mafia figure Ayhan Bora Kaplan continue to be exposed. This time it has been revealed that the head of the Ankara police directorate's organised crime unit personally trafficked at least 30 kilos of cocaine.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Judge Oktay Tabur, president of Izmir Court of First Instance, is suspended amid reports of firearms in his office and a lavish lifestyle. The scandal involves high-ranking officials, raising questions about ethical conduct. Allegations of wealth accumulation and involvement of HSK officials prompt political criticism and broader concerns about corruption in the Turkish judiciary.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
A mobster who admitted to bribing chief prosecutor and police chiefs exposes deep rot in the Turkish judiciary.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
ÖHD Report reveals grave human rights violations in Turkey’s prisons| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
A panel of judges accused of being bribed by drug lord| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
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.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
UN anti-torture body criticises Turkey for widespread violations and failures| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
In co-operation with London Advocacy, we launched a new project aimed at ensuring Turkey complied with ECHR rulings, in particular Grand Chamber's Yüksel Yalçınkaya v Türkiye.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT) has released its concluding observations on Turkey's fifth periodic report, highlighting significant concerns over human rights practices, particularly in relation to the treatment of lawyers, judges, and detainees. Overview of the Report The CAT reviewed Turkey's compliance with the Convention against Torture during meetings held on July 17| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
TALI submits six reports to the Human Rights Council for Turkey’s review| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative
Comprehensive Report Reveals Extensive Human Rights Violations in Central Anatolia Prisons A detailed semi-annual report released by the Lawyers for Freedom Association has laid bare severe human rights violations occurring across various high-security prisons in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. Compiled from interviews with inmates and their families, observations by legal professionals during visits,| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Bahtiyar Kandeğer experienced similar brutality; he was restrained by several officers while others participated in beating him, resulting in significant physical injuries including a repeatedly slammed head and a torn ear. The violence was severe enough that Kandeğer described it as being "beaten nearly to death." Conclusion and Call to Action The alleged events of| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The Turkish judiciary, a cornerstone of justice and democracy, is facing a severe crisis of integrity and trust. Recent revelations about the actions of Adana Judge Gül Altınoğlu highlight deep-seated corruption, not only within the judiciary but also extending to police forces and senior civil servants. This case provides a disturbing glimpse into the extent| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
As the world braces for a significant election year, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, has released a concerning report highlighting the widespread decline in democracy and judicial independence worldwide.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Adana, Turkey - Shocking revelations have emerged from the Adana Courthouse, exposing a pattern of alleged judicial corruption involving Judge Gül A. The investigation began under dramatic circumstances when Gül A. reportedly threatened a man, identified only as Ş.L., to delete videos of their illicit affair, which had started in September 2019. This case has| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Revelations continue to emerge about the corrupt practices of former Ankara Chief Prosecutor Yüksel Kocaman. A newly surfaced document exposes the suspicious sale of a municipal residence to Kocaman. Further allegations link Kocaman to mobster Ayhan Bora Kaplan, suggesting the latter financed the interior design of Kocaman's villa.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
Işınkaralar's case highlights quite a number of serious issues including widespread torture and sexual abuse in police custody, the reduction of safeguards against torture, non-compliance with the Istanbul Protocol on medical documentation of torture, impunity and corruption.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
In a series of critical remarks that underscore the deepening judicial crisis in Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has sharply criticized two of the country's highest courts, the Council of State and the Constitutional Court. Labeling their decisions as "incomprehensible" and "unsettling".| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute and The Arrested Lawyers Initiative have released a detailed report highlighting the declining independence of the legal profession and bar associations in Turkey. The report underscores the targeting of law professionals through unfair trials, arbitrary detainment, imprisonment and harassment, as well as the alarming misuse of counter-terrorism legislation to prosecute lawyers in the course of their legitimate work.| The Arrested Lawyers Initiative - Volunteer organisation to defend the defenders