*/
The arrest of human rights lawyers in Turkey ‘strikes at the heart’ of democratic values and has ‘seriously undermined’ the rule of law, the Bar chair has said.
The Bar Human Rights Committee (BHRC) and the Bar Council have expressed ‘deep concern’ over the recent treatment of lawyers by the Turkish authorities.
Nine human rights lawyers, known for their work in representing minority groups and people accused of terrorism and crimes against the state, were arrested in police raids on their homes.
Following their arrest, riot police attacked the lawyers who were representing their detained colleagues during a press conference on the steps of the courtroom.
Although subsequently released, the nine remain under prosecution on undisclosed evidence in breach of fair trial rights.
The Bar Council said the arrests were a breach of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
Its chairman, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, said: ‘The recent mass arrest and detention of lawyers in Turkey strikes at the heart of our most fundamental civil and democratic values.
‘A mandatory component of the rule of law is that people who are accused of crimes may be represented by a legal representative. The rule of law is, therefore, seriously undermined when lawyers are persecuted for, and prevented from, carrying out their duties.’
Kirsty Brimelow QC, chair of the BHRC, said: ‘The arrest of nine defence lawyers on the day before the trial of the 47 defence lawyers they were to represent is Kafkaesque in its extreme contempt of the rule of law and due process.’
The BHRC called on the Turkish authorities to take urgent action to remedy the ongoing breaches of international law and the ‘deep erosion’ by the state of the rule of law.
The arrest of human rights lawyers in Turkey ‘strikes at the heart’ of democratic values and has ‘seriously undermined’ the rule of law, the Bar chair has said.
The Bar Human Rights Committee (BHRC) and the Bar Council have expressed ‘deep concern’ over the recent treatment of lawyers by the Turkish authorities.
Nine human rights lawyers, known for their work in representing minority groups and people accused of terrorism and crimes against the state, were arrested in police raids on their homes.
Following their arrest, riot police attacked the lawyers who were representing their detained colleagues during a press conference on the steps of the courtroom.
Although subsequently released, the nine remain under prosecution on undisclosed evidence in breach of fair trial rights.
The Bar Council said the arrests were a breach of the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers.
Its chairman, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, said: ‘The recent mass arrest and detention of lawyers in Turkey strikes at the heart of our most fundamental civil and democratic values.
‘A mandatory component of the rule of law is that people who are accused of crimes may be represented by a legal representative. The rule of law is, therefore, seriously undermined when lawyers are persecuted for, and prevented from, carrying out their duties.’
Kirsty Brimelow QC, chair of the BHRC, said: ‘The arrest of nine defence lawyers on the day before the trial of the 47 defence lawyers they were to represent is Kafkaesque in its extreme contempt of the rule of law and due process.’
The BHRC called on the Turkish authorities to take urgent action to remedy the ongoing breaches of international law and the ‘deep erosion’ by the state of the rule of law.
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Exclusive QA with Henry Dannell
