UN human rights experts issued a formal statement on March 31, 2026, urging Turkey to stop criminalizing human rights defenders and lawyers, with particular concern focused on members of the Human Rights Association (İHD). Several İHD members have faced serious legal consequences under Turkey’s broad anti-terrorism laws. One member was convicted for providing small financial contributions to sick and indigent prisoners, another lawyer received a six-year prison sentence tied to her work defending former members of the PKK, and a third is under investigation simply for participating in a teachers’ union protest. Additionally, a human rights lawyer was physically assaulted by police while filming a client showing signs of mistreatment in custody, and later subjected to further abuse by a local prosecutor.

The UN experts argue that Turkey is systematically misusing anti-terrorism legislation — which lacks sufficiently precise definitions — to suppress legitimate human rights work, restrict free expression, and justify arbitrary detention. This is not the first time UN Special Procedures mandate holders have raised these concerns with the Turkish government, having sent multiple letters on related issues in 2020 and 2023. The experts are calling on Turkey to bring its anti-terrorism laws into compliance with international human rights standards, ensuring they cannot be weaponized against defenders, lawyers, and activists engaged in lawful professional and civic activities. Five UN Special Rapporteurs signed onto the statement, representing mandates covering human rights defenders, judicial independence, counter-terrorism, health, and freedom of assembly.

Read it here.