SUPPORT AND RELEASE IMPRISONED LAWYERS IN TURKEY
Since the attempted putsch in July 2016, Turkey has entered an era of purges where thousands of people have been and are still being dismissed under the current «anti-terrorism» law: teachers, journalists, lawyers... Monday, September 10, the trial of the 21 Turkish lawyers jailed for 336 days will take place at the Istanbul Court.
They are 21 Turkish lawyers imprisoned for 336 days for acts of terrorism whereas their only crime is to have defended people themselves under blow of the same charge. Unfortunately, this term in Turkey today justifies the implacable struggle of the Ankara government over the last few years against any form of dissepiment.
They’re members of the Association of Progressive Jurists (ÇHD) and of the Law Office for the People (HHB). They’re the lawyers of the people, imprisoned for their defense, that of the poor, the oppressed and for that of rights and freedoms. First of all, they were criticized for wanting to defend Nuriye Gülmen and Semih OzakÐa (the two teachers on hunger strike for more than a year to recover their job lost by decree-law) but also, among others, to have share in the trials of young people who lost their lives as a result of police violence. They’re also jailed for representing the families of the 301 miners killed in an explosion in Soma and Ermenek. Or, students imprisoned to claim a free, scientific and democratic university education. They’re the lawyers of Tayad’s families and artists of the people. They fight against prostitution and fascism.
For this, their offices were raided and they were threatened by the government in place. Arrested with by force by the police in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, they’re dispersed in ten different prisons. Faced with physical violence and torture, they’re also subject to reprisals such as ban on visits, censorship of mail or telephone calls. Some are in isolation cells. Others are transferred to other penitentiary centers without their personnal belongings and without notifying their families or lawyers.
The Rule of Law has disappeared in Turkey. However, despite the conditions of imprisonment they daily experience, these lawyers, because they’re the people’s lawyers, continue to defend their clients and practice as lawyers in prison. It’s therefore essential to support these 21 Turkish lawyers, identified with the causes they plead. Because in this country, defending a person accused of terrorism makes you an accomplice of the same charge. Politicians, NGO representatives as well as lawyers, democrats and trade unions must be present on September 10 at the Istanbul Court.
This only necessary solidarity with all Turkish lawyers incarcerated for defending their integrity by fighting with fairness the oppression of the power in place may help restore justice in the country. And for this, it’s essential for them to have the support of their international colleagues. The mission of a lawyer is to give everyone a fair trial. It’s up to every person who’s anxious to uphold the fundamental rights of individuals to work to ensure that the lawyers of the Turkish people can enjoy real justice, such as the one they defend at the risk of their lives.
Support imprisoned lawyers in Turkey and sign the petition for their release.
https://www.change.org/p/dogan-presse-agence-support-and-release-imprisoned-lawyers-in-turkey?recruiter=115207940&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page
Dogan Presse Agence
www.doganpresseagence.com
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