Dear Colleagues and Esteemed Members of the Press,Today, on the Day of the Endangered Lawyer, dedicated to highlighting the challenges faced by lawyers—the defenders of justice and the rule of law—we draw attention to the oppression, threats, and human rights violations faced by our colleagues around the world. This year, we specifically emphasize our solidarity with endangered lawyers in Belarus and Turkey.In Belarus, the pressures on lawyers, particularly those advocating for democracy and the rule of law, have intensified following protests that arose with entirely democratic demands. Lawyers have faced arbitrary revocation of their licenses, detentions, and threats simply for…
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We have learned with deep sorrow that our esteemed senior colleague, Attorney Muzaffer Uzlaş, a prominent figure in Turkey’s struggle for law and human rights, passed away early this morning (12 january) due to a heart attack in exile in Brussels, Belgium. Throughout his life, Attorney Muzaffer Uzlaş courageously fought for justice and the rule of law. Despite facing numerous challenges, he never wavered in his dedication to the legal profession and human rights advocacy. For this unwavering commitment, he became a target of the lawless regime in Turkey and was forced to leave his homeland. He will forever be…