UK and Ireland bars voice concerns over rule of law in Turkey

The UK and Irish bars have joined in raising concerns about the situation in Turkey as it has developed since the failed military coup, and its possible implications for the rule of law in that country.

Leaders of the four bars of Scotland, England & Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland took time at a scheduled meeting in London to consider reports of the arrests of thousands of judges following the attempted takeover last Friday.

Measures taken by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Government since the abortive coup include the suspension of almost 3,000 judges and prosecutors, the sacking of more than 9,000 police officers, the revoking of the licences of 24 TV and radio channels, and a purge of state officials including education staff and 1,500 university deans. In addition, 6,000 military personnel have been arrested and await trial. It is feared that the events have played into the hands of those seeking to move Turkey from a secular to an Islamist society.

There has been talk of restoring the death penalty, a move which Turkey has been warned would end discussions over it joining the European Union.

In a statement, Chantal-Aimee Doerries, QC, chairman of the Bar of England & Wales, said: “We have read with grave concern reports of a substantial number of arrests of the Turkish judiciary over the weekend and are concerned about the possible implications of these developments for the rule of law in Turkey. We are reviewing the situation carefully and have reached out to other European bar leaders to establish more information before determining our next response.”

The statement added that the judiciary and legal profession in any jurisdiction should not and could not fulfil their duties under the threat of arrest.

“This is not the first time this Turkish Government has struck at the core of fundamental civil and democratic values,” said Ms Doerries.

“In March, nine human rights lawyers, known for their work in representing minority groups and people accused of terrorism and crimes against the state, were arrested in police raids on their homes.”