Istanbul Bar Association calls for transparency in İBB trial

The Istanbul Bar Association has called for transparency and fair trial standards during the ongoing legal proceedings involving the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB). The trial, which includes 414 defendants with 51 currently in custody, is entering its 16th day of the second session.

Istanbul Bar Association President İbrahim Kaboğlu addressed the court, citing concerns regarding transparency, the right to defense, and adversarial proceedings. Kaboğlu noted that members have reported a lack of predictability and order, specifically regarding the sequence of defendants and lawyers, which hinders effective legal preparation.

Kaboğlu also criticized the late hours of the hearings, stating that sessions lasting until 22:00 are not reasonable. He suggested that hearings should conclude by 19:00 or 19:30 at the latest to remain humane and practical. He emphasized that the Bar will continue to observe the process to ensure the dignity of the defense profession and the rights of the accused.