UN Urges Türkiye to Halt Misuse of Anti-Terror Laws on Lawyers
Türkiye is using anti-terror laws to target rights lawyers, says UN experts.
Why it matters: This trend threatens the independence of lawyers and the protection of human rights, with implications for legal practices worldwide.
- UN experts made the call on March 31, 2026.
- Hatice Onaran was convicted under anti-terror laws in 2024.
- Suna Bilgin received a six-year sentence in 2025.
- İsmail Boyraz and others face charges for protests.
The UN experts have urged Türkiye to stop the misuse of anti-terror laws against human rights lawyers, citing cases that threaten the rule of law. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing international pressure on Türkiye regarding its treatment of legal professionals.
In 2024, lawyer Hatice Onaran was convicted under anti-terrorism legislation, accused of financially supporting terrorism. Her case exemplifies how laws intended for national security are deployed to curb dissent, particularly affecting minority advocacy such as Kurdish rights.
Lawyer Suna Bilgin, sentenced to six years in 2025, further illustrates the aggressive legal tactics faced by those advocating for human rights. These actions have been criticized for stifling legal independence and expression.
Furthermore, İsmail Boyraz, under scrutiny for participating in a teachers' protest, and Sabri Güngen, who reported police mistreatment, highlight the risks lawyers endure while defending civil liberties. The UN emphasizes the need for Türkiye to align its legal frameworks with international standards to preserve freedoms of expression and assembly.
Ongoing discussions since 2020 between the UN and Turkish authorities underline the urgency of reforming these laws to balance national security with human rights, impacting legal advocacy on a global scale.