AIJA’s Bureau and Human Rights Committee have been made aware of the Joint Statement by the International Legal and Human Rights Community on the Actions Against the Istanbul Bar Association, signed by a number of signatories, including the European Association of Criminal Bars, and International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute.
The Joint Statement highlights the international legal and human rights community’s deep concern regarding the institution of a criminal investigation and lawsuit issued against the Istanbul Bar Association, including its President and Executive Board, following the issuance of a statement by the Istanbul Bar Association on 21 December 2024, drawing attention to the deaths of journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin, killed on 19 December 2024 in northern Syria while monitoring developments in the region.
The Joint Statement indicates that the criminal investigation and lawsuit represent a direct challenge to the independence and functioning of the Istanbul Bar Association, an institution that plays a vital role in safeguarding human rights and upholding the rule of law in Turkiye, The actions taken against the Istanbul Bar Association are in violation of human rights law and the principles governing the legal profession, including freedom of expression, the independence of the legal profession and retaliation against advocacy.
Having considered that Joint Statement, AIJA would also like to endorse and support the Joint Statement, including the Calls for Action contained therein vis-a-vis the Turkish authorities, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, the European Committee on Legal Cooperation, and the European Union.
AIJA stands together in solidarity with the international legal and human rights community and the Istanbul Bar Association and all legal professionals in Turkey who continue to uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law.