*/
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
A comparison – Dan Monaghan, Head of DWF Chambers, invites two viewpoints
And if not, why not? asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Head of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, discusses the many benefits of oral fluid drug testing for child welfare and protection matters
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
Maria Scotland and Niamh Wilkie report from the Bar Council’s 2024 visit to the United Arab Emirates exploring practice development opportunities for the England and Wales family Bar
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
David Wurtzel analyses the outcome of the 2024 silk competition and how it compares with previous years, revealing some striking trends and home truths for the profession
Save for some high-flyers and those who can become commercial arbitrators, it is generally a question of all or nothing but that does not mean moving from hero to zero, says Andrew Hillier
