“If there is someone somewhere fighting for rights and freedoms, and taking the plunge, this means there is always some hope for the future”  – MURAT ARSLAN (Václav Havel Human Rights Prize 2017 Laureate)

MEDEL was represented by its President Mariarosaria Guglielmi  at the side-event organized during the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg on 19-23 June 2023,  in cooperation with the association “Justice for Rule of Law ASBL” represented by Yavuz AYDIN.

The erosion of judicial independence in Turkey is deeply concerning, as it undermines the principles of democracy, fairness, and the rule of law. A truly independent judiciary is crucial for ensuring checks and balances, protecting human rights, and upholding justice for all citizens. As members of the international community, it is essential for us to remain vigilant and voice our concerns about these issues. Against this backdrop, the side event under the heading of “Revisiting the functioning of democratic institutions and rule of law in Turkey: Role of judiciary in current situation of Turkey, in honouring the obligations deriving from CoE membership” was hosted by Paul Gavan, Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 21 June 2023.

The IAJ President, José Igreja MATOS, moderated the event, during which the representatives of the associations of the Platform for an independent judiciary in Turkey took the floor. YARSAV was represented by Muhiddin KARATAS, Orhan KARABACAK, and Harun KURMAZ.

Muhiddin KARATAS took the floor. In the aftermath of the failed coup attempt of 15 July 2016, while serving as an administrative judge, Muhiddin KARATAS was dismissed. He then served 18 months in Turkish prisons and when released he had to flee the country. In September 2020, he got refugee status in France. Learn more…

Strasbourg – Palais de l’Europe,  21 June 2023