Throughout history, it has been the only fortress standing upright against those in power, amplifying the individual’s voice and giving concrete form to justice. In ancient times, justice was often weighed on the scale of brute force: the strong were deemed right, and the weak were forced into silence.The true beginning of civilization emerged precisely at this moment: when written laws, the principle of equality, and an independent defense mechanism rose against raw power, humanity stepped out of a dark cave and into the light. The lawyer is the guardian of that light.A steadfast shield balancing the limitless will of…

January 24 – Day of Endangered Lawyers is not merely a professional observance.It is a day on which we are reminded of the will to defend the rule of law, the commitment to the ideal of justice, and the responsibility to protect human dignity. Today, in many countries around the world, the principle of the rule of law is weakening, the separation of powers is being eroded, and human rights are overshadowed by political calculations.More concerning than the rise of a new order where the powerful replace the rightful is the increasing normalization of a system where those who defend…

Over the past decade, the judiciary in Turkey has ceased to function as an independent body that safeguards the rule of law and has instead become an instrument used by the political authorities to eliminate their opponents. Those in power have mobilized all state resources to label individuals—most of whom are innocent—as “members of a terrorist organization” whenever they perceive them as politically or personally inconvenient. Through state institutions, seized media outlets, and intensive perception operations, members of the Hizmet Movement have been particularly targeted; society has been systematically manipulated, othered, and immersed in a climate of hatred.In this process,…

We, as lawyers, know that justice is not merely a collection of dry articles but a living mechanism of conscience. Especially when the matter concerns our children—the most fragile and most powerful capital of our world…With the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1989, this date became the symbol of a universal commitment: World Children’s Rights Day. This Convention is not a favor left to the discretion of states or individuals; it is a binding legal obligation that enshrines fundamental rights such as life, development, protection, and participation. As…

The International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) Annual Conference, organized each year by the International Corrections and Prisons Association, will be held in Türkiye from 26 to 31 October 2025. Prior to the conference, a summary report on human rights violations occurring in Turkish prisons was submitted to the ICPA for inclusion on the agenda and to inform member states.

The right to defense is the right of a person accused of a crime to defend themselves against the accusations, to present evidence, and to receive legal assistance. This right is constitutionally guaranteed and is recognized as a fundamental element of the right to a fair trial. In the aftermath of the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, the practices of judges and law enforcement officials, along with statutory decrees (KHKs) issued during the State of Emergency (OHAL), have severely restricted the right to defense for individuals prosecuted for alleged affiliation with the Hizmet Movement. During this period, constitutional, Criminal Procedure…

Today marks the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, proclaimed by the United Nations as a call to uphold human dignity and the absolute prohibition of torture. Turkey is a party to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, signed on June 26, 1987. Article 2 of the Convention clearly states: “No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture.” This unequivocal prohibition leaves no room for interpretation: torture…

AST (Advocates of Silenced Turkey) received the Best Documentary Award at the Amsterdam New Cinema Film Festival for METAMORPHOSIS: Women’s Resilience to Oppression in Türkiye. This meaningful recognition provides a stronger voice for women courageously resisting oppression and violence whose voices have been silenced. The Amsterdam Law Center congratulates AST volunteers on this significant accomplishment and wishes them continued success in their valuable work.

March 8 is one of the most significant symbols worldwide in the struggle for women’s rights and gender equality. While significant legal and social steps have been taken in Turkey concerning women’s rights, numerous critical issues remain unresolved. Issues such as inequality in education opportunities, violence against women, femicides, conditions of women in prisons, and workplace discrimination remain pressing concerns in today’s struggle for women’s rights. Equality in Education: Key to Women’s Empowerment Although legal arrangements in Turkey have improved women’s access to education, regional and socioeconomic differences continue to impact girls’ enrollment rates. Particularly in rural areas and economically…