UIA-IROL Condemns the Removal of the Istanbul Bar President and its Board Members

The Institute for the Rule of Law of the Union Internationale des Avocats (UIA-IROL) expresses its deepest indignation at the removal of the President of the Istanbul Bar Association, İbrahim Kaboğlu, and its Board Members through a summary court decision.

This dismissal, which follows the prosecution of the Istanbul Bar Association for merely exercising its fundamental right to freedom of expression and advocating for compliance with international humanitarian law [1], constitutes an unacceptable attack on the independence of lawyers and the Rule of Law in Türkiye.

UIA-IROL recalls that the independence of bar associations is a cornerstone of democracy and access to justice. In accordance with the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers (1990), lawyers must be able to carry out their professional duties without interference or retaliation, including participating in public debates on human rights and the Rule of Law.

UIA-IROL urges the Turkish authorities to overturn this arbitrary decision and to ensure the independence of the representative institutions of the legal profession.

UIA-IROL will continue to monitor this situation closely and reaffirms its unwavering support for lawyers and bar associations in Türkiye.
 

See Statement

See Statement

[1] See here.