European bars and law societies call for release of Turkish lawyers

The letter, signed by CCBE president Ruthven Gemmell, expresses concern over the recent conviction of 20 lawyers in Konya, including the former head of the Konya Bar Association, Fevzi Kayacan, who was sentenced to 10 years and six months of imprisonment.

Mr Gemmell also raised concerns regarding the torture and ill treatment of lawyers in detention.

He wrote: “We understand that the number of lawyers under criminal prosecution in Turkey raised to 1433 and 555 lawyers have been arrested since the coup attempt in July 2016.

“In this context, the CBBE wishes to draw your attention to the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, in particular Principles 16 and 17 on Guarantees for the functioning of lawyers.

“In view of the above, the CCBE respectfully urges your Excellency to ensure that all the lawyers mentioned above are released immediately as it is believed that their detention is solely motivated by their activities as lawyers. In addition, the CCBE asks you to take all necessary measures to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of lawyers in Turkey as well as their ability to perform their professional duties without fear of reprisal, hindrance, intimidation or harassment.”