Since early October 2015, several international experts have been supervising the path towards the Nov. 1 election in Turkey. They have been closely examining the observance of supranational values such as human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law by all political actors. It appears from the recommendations issued by the OSCE’s regional human rights body that respect for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms are still being disregarded in Turkey. The detention of Tahir Elçi, the president of the Diyarbakır Bar Association and a highly respected human rights lawyer, on charges of “making propaganda for or promoting a terrorist organization” sparked serious concern. The ruling violates several rules, among others Article 23 of the UN Basic Principles on the Role of the Lawyers.
Since early October 2015, several international experts have been supervising the path towards the Nov. 1 election in Turkey. They have been closely examining the observance of supranational values such as human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law by all political actors. It appears from the recommendations issued by the OSCE’s regional human rights body that respect for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms are still being disregarded in Turkey. The detention of Tahir Elçi, the president of the Diyarbakır Bar Association and a highly respected human rights lawyer, on charges of “making propaganda for or promoting a terrorist organization” sparked serious concern. The ruling violates several rules, among others Article 23 of the UN Basic Principles on the Role of the Lawyers.
