UN Experts Warn of Escalating Crackdown on Rights Defenders in Türkiye, Cite Misuse of Anti-Terror Laws

“The charges human rights defenders face are mostly based on anti-terrorism laws,” the experts said, warning that such laws are being used in ways that risk undermining fundamental freedoms.

United Nations human rights experts have raised alarm over what they describe as the continued criminalisation of human rights defenders and lawyers in Türkiye, urging authorities to halt prosecutions that rely heavily on broad anti-terrorism legislation.

In a strongly worded statement, the experts said members of the Human Rights Association (İHD)—one of Türkiye’s most prominent civil society organisations—appear to have been disproportionately targeted, with multiple cases linked directly to their professional work in defending prisoners’ rights and documenting alleged abuses.

Pattern of Prosecutions Raises International Concern

“The charges human rights defenders face are mostly based on anti-terrorism laws,” the experts said, warning that such laws are being used in ways that risk undermining fundamental freedoms.

Recent cases cited by the UN include:

• Hatice Onaran, convicted in 2024 and sentenced to four years and two months for allegedly “financing terrorism” after providing small, legally permitted financial assistance to prisoners in need. She was temporarily released in February 2026 on medical grounds.

• Suna Bilgin, an İHD lawyer sentenced to six years and three months in prison for alleged membership in a terrorist organisation, in connection with her legal defence of former members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

• Osman Süzen, also charged under similar allegations but ultimately acquitted.

• Tuğba Kahraman and Mehmet Acettin, recently charged in cases mirroring those brought against Bilgin, raising concerns of a broader pattern.

• İsmail Boyraz, currently under investigation for participating in what authorities described as an “unlawful assembly” after attending a teachers’ union protest in Ankara.

UN experts emphasised that several of these prosecutions appear directly linked to legitimate human rights work, including legal representation, advocacy for prisoners, and peaceful assembly.

Lawyers Facing Violence and Intimidation

Beyond legal proceedings, the UN also highlighted incidents of physical violence and harassment against lawyers.

Human rights lawyer Sabri Güngen was reportedly assaulted by police in March 2025 while documenting signs of alleged ill-treatment of a detained client. He later faced verbal abuse from a prosecutor and further police violence.

“These incidents point to a troubling environment where lawyers are not only prosecuted but also subjected to intimidation and physical harm,” the experts said.

Concerns Over Broad Anti-Terror Legislation

At the centre of the UN’s criticism is Türkiye’s use of anti-terrorism laws, which experts argue lack precise definitions and are being applied in ways that risk criminalising legitimate activities.

The experts called on the Turkish Government to ensure that such legislation:

• Clearly defines terrorism in line with international legal standards

• Adheres to principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination

• Does not infringe on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly

• Prevents arbitrary detention and prosecution

“Anti-terrorism laws must not be used as tools to silence dissent or punish human rights work,” the experts stressed.

Longstanding International Scrutiny

The issue is not new. The UN noted that concerns over Türkiye’s use of anti-terror laws have been raised repeatedly in official communications:

• Multiple letters from UN Special Procedures in 2020 and 2023

• Ongoing scrutiny of cases involving the İHD, including communications in 2021 and 2022

The latest wave of prosecutions appears closely tied to the organisation’s work on:

• Prisoners’ rights and detention conditions

• Allegations of torture and ill-treatment

• Advocacy for peaceful resolution of the Kurdish issue

Broader Implications for Rule of Law

Human rights observers warn that the continued targeting of lawyers and defenders risks undermining the rule of law and access to justice.

Legal professionals play a critical role in safeguarding rights, particularly in politically sensitive cases. Their prosecution or intimidation can have a chilling effect on the entire justice system.

“The safety and independence of lawyers are fundamental to any functioning legal system,” the experts said.

Call for Immediate Action

The UN experts have urged Türkiye to:

• End the criminalisation of human rights defenders

• Ensure the protection and independence of lawyers

• Align domestic laws with international human rights obligations

• Investigate allegations of violence and intimidation against legal professionals

They emphasised that compliance with international standards is essential not only for protecting individual rights but also for maintaining public trust in legal institutions.

The latest UN warning underscores growing international concern over shrinking civic space in Türkiye. As legal cases against human rights defenders continue to mount, the spotlight is intensifying on how anti-terrorism frameworks are being applied—and whether they are being used to protect security or suppress dissent.

For now, the UN’s message is clear: safeguarding human rights requires not only strong laws, but also the political will to apply them fairly and without discrimination.