The European Criminal Bar Association (ECBA) co-signed two petitions advocating for the immediate and unconditional release of Turkish lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan and in support of Turkish lawyer Günay Dağ.

The ECBA strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of Mehmet Pehlivan, defense lawyer for Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, and the escalating reprisals against the legal profession in Turkey. Mr. Pehlivan has faced continuous judicial harassment, including a travel ban and charges stemming from his professional work. He was arbitrarily detained on June 19, 2025, on charges of "membership in a criminal organization" for activities fundamental to legal representation.

We also highlight the urgent case of Günay Dağ, a lawyer who sought asylum in Greece in 2020 due to political prosecution in Turkey. Despite being granted international protection in 2022, his rights have been restricted, and his asylum status was unexpectedly revoked on April 28, 2025, based on unsubstantiated national security claims. This poses a grave risk to his safety.

These actions targeting lawyers are a direct assault on human rights and the rule of law, hindering access to justice. The ECBA, alongside numerous international legal and human rights organizations, calls for:

- The immediate and unconditional release of Mehmet Pehlivan.
- The reversal of Günay Dağ’s protection status and restoration of his full rights.
- An end to all legal processes against the Istanbul Bar Association and other human rights-based bar associations.
- A cessation of intimidation and harassment of lawyers.
- Respect for international standards protecting the legal profession.

We stand in full solidarity with Mehmet Pehlivan, Günay Dağ, the Istanbul Bar Association, and all lawyers in Turkey defending human rights and the rule of law.

Full statements:

Unlawful detention of lawyer Mehmet Pehlivan and escalating repression of the legal profession in Turkey

Statement Regarding the Case of Günay Dağ