An Istanbul court has acquitted the president and executive board members of the Istanbul Bar Association (IBA) of terrorism-related charges, a ruling that reflects ongoing tensions surrounding the use of criminal law against legal professionals in Türkiye. The court’s decision on October 6, 2023, follows allegations that a public statement issued by the IBA in December 2024 amounted to “spreading terrorist propaganda” and “disseminating misleading information.”
The charges stemmed from the IBA’s condemnation of the killing of two journalists in northern Syria, along with the detention of journalists and lawyers during a related peaceful protest in Istanbul. Prosecutors claimed that the IBA’s statement violated Türkiye’s anti-terrorism laws, which have faced scrutiny from various human rights organizations and international observers.
Concerns Over Legal Independence
The acquittal has been celebrated by rights groups, who argued that the prosecution was an unlawful interference with the independence of the legal profession. They emphasized that the IBA acted within its mandate to address human rights and the rule of law, asserting that criminalizing such expressions violates international standards protecting freedom of expression and association.
Prior to the court’s ruling, a coalition of human rights and legal organizations warned that the case exemplified a broader pattern of pressure targeting lawyers and bar associations in Türkiye. UN human rights experts have repeatedly raised alarms over the misuse of counter-terrorism and misinformation laws to target legal professionals, stating that such practices undermine the right to a fair trial and erode judicial independence.
The proceedings were viewed as part of a troubling trend in which legal representatives face prosecution based on their professional activities. Concerns extend to other cases involving human rights defenders, with reports of lengthy prison sentences and criminal charges stemming from their advocacy work.
Calls for Structural Reform
Although the acquittal is a significant development, rights groups have cautioned that structural reforms are crucial to prevent similar future prosecutions. They have urged Turkish authorities to discontinue parallel civil proceedings targeting the leadership of the Bar Association and to ensure the autonomy and self-governance of bar associations throughout the country.
Furthermore, these organizations advocate for aligning domestic laws with international standards governing the legal profession. The ongoing scrutiny of Türkiye’s legal framework highlights the delicate balance between national security interests and the protection of fundamental human rights, particularly in the context of free expression and professional independence.
The court’s ruling serves as a reminder of the critical role that legal associations play in safeguarding democratic principles, particularly in environments where legal practitioners may face undue pressure. As discussions around these issues continue, the international community remains attentive to developments in Türkiye’s legal landscape.