Istanbul Bar Association warns of systematic rights violations and prison overcrowding

Istanbul Bar Association President İbrahim Kaboğlu assessed the 2025–2026 judicial year, stating that fundamental rights protected even in wartime are being systematically breached. He cited long pre‑trial detentions, investigations without evidence, harsh prison conditions and attacks on lawyers, including the killings of Zekeriya Polat and Hatice Kocaefe.

Kaboğlu detailed prison inspections that found severe overcrowding: Bakırköy prison holds roughly twice its capacity and Silivri about three times its capacity, with staff numbers unchanged. He warned that these conditions violate detainees' dignity and health rights, while prison staff face excessive workloads.

The Bar Association, Kaboğlu said, has provided legal support to attacked colleagues and participated in solidarity actions across the country, emphasizing its role in defending the rule of law, judicial independence and basic human freedoms.